Birdwatching Can Increase Happiness as Much as a Pay Raise, Study Shows

Amid the ongoing pandemic, finding a little extra happiness in even the smallest things is key to survival. And although buying new things to accommodate your new indoor lifestyle may be a tempting way to boost your mood short-term, there are several ways to do so that are more sustainable, and that won’t cost you a pretty penny. One technique that’s become increasingly popular during the pandemic has been birding. Birdwatching — and spotting new types of birds — is reportedly linked to our happiness and well-being, and over time, can bring equal happiness to a pay raise, according to recent studies led by the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, the iDiv, and the University of Kiel. So for the sake of your mental health, consider investing in a decent pair of binoculars, and head to the park for a full day of nature appreciation. “Europeans are particularly satisfied with their lives if their immediate surroundings host a high species diversity,” according to the study’s lead author, Joel Methorst. “According to our findings, the happiest Europeans are those who can experience numerous different bird species in their daily life, or who live in near-natural surroundings that are home […]

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