A 2023 Gallup poll found that 66% of college students surveyed reported feeling stressed, and 51% stated they worried for much of the day. Furthermore, a Healthy Minds Study found that during the 2022-2023 academic year, 41% of students experienced symptoms of depression, and 36% experienced anxiety.
Prioritizing mental health and finding coping strategies are crucial for college students looking to improve their academic performance or overall quality of life, and one answer could be birdwatching.
New research from North Carolina State University found that nature-based experiences, particularly birdwatching, can help students improve their mental health and reduce distress.
Especially in the fall, bird migration can bring unsuspected visitors through your region.
Photo by Trey Emery | The Promethean
In the experimental study, college students were assigned to a control group, a nature-walk group, or a birdwatching group. Students in the birdwatching group, who took a 30-minute walk and were asked to document the birds they found using a phone app, reported significant decreases in stress compared to the other groups.
Interestingly, as younger generations seek more low-key lifestyles, they are embracing “grandma hobbies,” traditional pastimes often associated with older generations, like gardening, knitting, and baking. These hobbies resonate with younger people who want to escape being constantly connected and need time to recharge.
In 2018, UWS opened the Pruitt Center for Mindfulness and Well-Being, which provides mindfulness and well-being resources through events, classes, and workshops for students and the community. The Center defines mindfulness as “the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”
With that in mind, one can see how the process of birdwatching-listening to birdsongs or identifying bird feathers-could root one to the present moment, allow for deep, steady breaths, push away anxious thoughts, and put them in a state of mindfulness as they engage with nature.
While more research is required to explain why birdwatching helps people feel better, the results of the study are encouraging for college students looking for an accessible hobby to take their minds off of everyday stresses.
Birdwatching requires minimal investment. A field guide or free app like the Audubon Bird Guide is often all that is needed to get started. Birdwatching can also be enjoyed year-round, with a variety of bird species appearing each season.
Superior, which is recognized as a Bird City for making the area friendly for our feathered friends, has plenty of bird activity from city parks and green spaces to hiking trails and coastal areas. Among several other wildlife spots in the region, the Douglas County Wildlife Area, also known as the Bird Sanctuary, has over 4,000 acres of open fields perfect for birdwatching.
It is important to recognize that some people might need additional support for their mental health. If you or someone you know is experiencing challenges, UWS offers a range of services.
The Pruitt Center for Mindfulness and Well-Being is located in room 3117 of Swenson Hall. The Center provides a space with tea, coloring options, and other resources intended to help visitors practice mindfulness through peace and reflection. Additionally, UW-Superior Student Health and Counseling Services, located in room 1729 of the Marcovich Wellness Center, offers free counseling services for on-campus and distance-learning students.
Birdwatching may not be a complete solution for mental health issues, but it is a timeless hobby that can help take your mind off of everyday problems by promoting relaxation and increasing mindfulness. Because stressing about school…well, that’s for the birds.
