People with this 'outdated' hobby live a more peaceful life, according to studies

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There's something special about an old hobby that brings you true joy and peace. Amidst the chaos of everyday life, it's often nice to have a simple activity outside the home that keeps you entertained and allows you to connect with like-minded people.

One of these hobbies is watching and listening to birds , and a study conducted by Christoph Randler, a professor at the University of Tübingen in Germany, and his team, shows that people who practice this activity usually live more peacefully than others.

Randler and his colleagues wanted to better understand the connection between well-being and the sounds of nature. They conducted an experiment with 233 participants who walked in a park or botanical garden. They found that experiencing nature and listening to natural sounds instantly calms people.

In particular, watching birds and listening to their "songs" in a natural setting had a calming effect. Participants completed questionnaires about psychological well-being before and after a 30-minute walk. Blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels were also measured to understand the physiological effects of nature on the mind.

Participants were divided into five groups, some with speakers playing the songs of rare birds, and some who listened only to natural sounds. In all groups, blood pressure and heart rate decreased, indicating that paying attention to birds and their songs significantly reduces stress. Those who focused more on the birds experienced even greater improvements in well-being.

Why does it work so well?

According to Heather Eliassen of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, time spent in nature has many benefits for physical and mental health, including improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. A short walk or simply opening a window to watch the birds can make a big difference.

You don't need hours in the woods or garden. Even five minutes listening to the birds outside your window can bring peace and happiness. Watching and listening to birds, a simple and "old" hobby, is the secret to living a more peaceful and happier life.