In a modern world where depression is becoming more common, particularly amongst young people, researchers at a London university has discovered some helpful advice for increasing your level of happiness.
A recent study by King’s College London concluded that listening to birdsong for a few minutes each day is linked to a boost in happiness for up to eight hours, and that it can help to ease depression.
The scientists who produced the research studied a sample of 1,292 people who completed assessments between April 2018 and October 2021 using the Urban Mind app created by King’s College London. Within these assessments, participants were asked if they could see or hear birds and questions about how they were feeling.
It was discovered that among those with mental health conditions, hearing or seeing birds appeared to improve the person’s mood. Participants with no mental health conditions also appeared to experience an uplift in mood, lasting for up to eight hours, after hearing or seeing birds.
Lead author of the study and King’s College London psychiatrist Professor Andrea Mechelli said, “Our study provides an evidence base for creating and supporting biodiverse spaces that harbour birdlife, since this is strongly linked with our mental health.
“In addition, the findings support the implementation of measures to increase opportunities for people to come across birdlife, particularly for those living with mental health conditions such as depression.”
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has shared insightful information about ‘The Voices of Spring’ on their website. The Society explains that between March and July is the best time to hear The Dawn Chorus as the breeding season is underway.
It says, “If you want to listen to a dawn chorus, then the best days to choose are those with fine, clear weather and little wind”, and that “Dawn chorus peaks half-an-hour before to half-an-hour after sunrise”.
Alternatively, if you don’t feel like rising along with the early birds, or you live in a more urban setting, you can listen to the RSPB’s Birdsong Radio.
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