A 2019 study by Frontiers has shown that spending just 20 minutes in nature will significantly lower your stress hormone levels. On top of that, Cal Poly's more specific study proves that while in nature, the sound of birdsong can dramatically benefit your mood.
But what if it's not always possible to trek into the woods every time you need to de-stress?
After a European study definitively proved that the diversity of bird species in your area can boost happiness, National Geographic put together a list of ways to attract birds to your home.
Sometimes, depending on where you live, access to parks or forests isn't always in the cards. Luckily, there are many ways to attract birds to your home regardless of property size.
Most often, the birds in your area will have diets heavily influenced by the region in which you live. This means that in order to catch the eye (and stomachs) of local birds, you need to plant a variety of plants native to your area.
Once planted, these native plants will offer birds the exact type of seeds, berries, nuts, and insects their specialized palettes are craving.
If you need help finding out what plants are native to your area, the Audubon native plant database can send you planting in the right direction.
Just like us, birds need a place to clean themselves after a long day of flapping. On top of that, they also need access to fresh drinking water. Luckily, they're not too picky about combining the two.
DIY bird baths are simple, family-friendly projects that can be placed right next to a window for easy observation. That way when birds stop by for a dip you have front row seats to their adorable splish-splashing.
As delicate and small as birds are, there are plenty of predators they need to be able to hide from. If they see that your backyard has densely packed thickets or roosting boxes, they'll feel safer coming by for a visit.
A lot of birds are smarter than we give them credit for, and instinctually avoid plants that have been sprayed with chemicals.
In order to keep the animals in your area safe and healthy, try to stay as "au-naturel" as you can. That way the birds that do come to your backyard will feel encouraged to make it a go-to spot.
Is your backyard equipped for the birds? Or is there more you could do to draw the feathery friends to your home? Let us know if there are any tips and tricks you swear by in the comments below.
h/t | National Geographic
