Birdsong boosts mental health
Scientists at Kings College London have discovered that bird song can boost mental wellbeing for more than 4 hours. They found that the beneficial effects of nature were especially evident in those individuals with greater levels of impulsivity who are at greater risk of mental health issues.
Hearing birdsong, seeing tress or the sky, for even a short period of time, has a measurable beneficial impact on mental wellbeing. The interaction of nature with trait impulsivity could be extremely beneficial.
Trait impulsivity is a component of personality concept that involves the tendency to display behaviour characterised by little or no forethought, or consideration of the consequences. Individuals with greater levels of impulsivity are at greater risk of mental health issues. The study has shown that those individuals who listen to birdsong, look at trees or the sky for short periods daily have less risk of mental health issues.
From a clinical perspective it is hoped that the research may lead to the development of low cost interventions aimed at promoting mental health in urban populations.
www.shponline.co.uk/exposure-nature-can-boost-mental-wellbeing-report-finds