NATURAL HIGH
People who live in areas with more birds, shrubs and trees are less likely to have depression, anxiety and stress. That’s the finding of new research from the University of Exeter. Those who spent less time outdoors were more likely to report poor mood, too, and apparently seeing our feathered friends in the afternoon is particularly beneficial. The results held true even after researchers allowed for variables such as income and age. This comes hot on the heels of other UK research which found that watching birds makes people feel relaxed. So why not invest in a bird feeder for your garden and spend your coffee breaks looking at that, rather than your smartphone.
Words Laura Potter. Photograph iStock