As the country reopens and many of us return to our pre-pandemic lives, it's easy to forget those who were stuck indoors even before COVID-19.
Cabin Fever & Mental Health
After weeks and months of social isolation, many folks are now familiar with the feelings of cabin fever and how detrimental those feelings can be for our mental health. Those feelings go beyond just boredom or listlessness - they can completely overwhelm our minds and make us more irritable, lethargic, impatient, hopeless, and even depressed. Simple daily tasks and routines became hard to manage, and our mental health declined as we felt distressed in our own homes.
As more of us become vaccinated and re-enter the outside world though, we can finally start to break free from these negative emotions. But what about those who are still limited to their homes? There are countless reasons why someone would be subject to isolation even without a pandemic - grandparents or aging parents with limited mobility, those bound to a wheelchair or bed due to illnesses or accidents, folks suffering from anxiety, and so many more. We can't forget our fellow humans who still can't easily access a post-pandemic world.
Connecting With Nature for Mental Health
So how can we help improve the mental health and well-being of those who are still stuck indoors? As impractical as it sounds, we can give them the gift of nature.
Studies have shown that being in nature can boost our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, improving our mood, and even reducing depression. There are several types of nature therapy activities, one of them being spending time with animals! Animals can provide a sense of calm and comfort, and help us forget the stresses of our daily lives. They help us feel secure and less anxious, and improve our well-being simply by making us happy.
Bonding with an animal can help people develop a better sense of self-worth as well. Most animals are accepting and non-judgmental, which can make us feel more open and less pressured. Animals let us feel a bond that we not only have confidence in, but is also confidential. Dogs and cats most often come to mind when thinking of animals, but did you know that birding can be an effective form of self care as well?
Birdwatching unlocks all your senses and lets you practice mindfulness. Completely immerse yourself in nature as you breathe and taste the fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun, hear the birds sing, and see their colorful plumage and patterns. Become aware of the present moment as you observe their behaviors, notice their quirky habits, and familiarize yourself with their different voices. Escape.
Birdwatching from Home
For those who can't make it outside though - how can they enjoy the benefits of birdwatching? A window bird feeder makes a great way for birding from home! Window bird feeders, like ours, mount directly onto windows to provide an up close birdwatching experience.
As birds visit the feeder throughout the day, there will be ample opportunities for folks to take breaks and connect with nature. Having birds just inches away means they can observe and make note of the birds' different colors, behaviors, and habits. Pretty soon, they'll even start to recognize their new feathered friends! Birds will often revisit feeders, giving folks a great chance to practice mindfulness during their mini nature escape sessions and familiarize themselves with their guests. They'll come to notice repeat visitors, and will feel a special kind of joy as they realize what they've accomplished: creating a bond with wildlife.
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