Birding as Self-care
Birding can be more than an enjoyable hobby. Much more. Birding can be a form of the all-important, often neglected, self-care.
Think about it.
Self-care is whatever we intentionally do to improve our physical, mental, or emotional health. The list of activities that fall under self-care can range from the overwhelmingly enjoyable to the dreaded mundane daily necessities. Taking a warm bath can be self-care. Engaging in a favorite hobby can be self-care. Eating nutritiously and brushing our teeth can be self-care. It can be practicing spiritual disciplines such as prayer and meditation. Taking time off from work can be self-care. Even socializing with friends or participating in clubs, sports teams, or regular small groups can all be forms of self-care.
The greatest hindrance to self-care, however, is our fear of appearing selfish or self-indulgent. Self-care isn’t an indulgence; it is a necessity. When we take care of ourselves, we can fully engage in the most important tasks in our lives. Self-care helps prevent life’s challenges from overwhelming our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By practicing self-care, we become a better aunt or uncle, son or daughter, parent, grandparent, sibling, employee, co- worker, neighbor, and citizen.
Birders can find delight in viewing birding as self-care. By taking a break and birding at a local park or favorite outdoor spot, we can allow our minds to take a mental reprieve from the busyness of work, family, and other responsibilities. Birding, particularly slow-birding, can rejuvenate our minds as we allow ourselves to be fascinated by birds and as we immerse ourselves in the healing balm of nature hosting our feathered friends. By allowing the sights, scents, and sounds of nature to enrapt our minds with awe, we find rest. Birding, if we so allow it, can truly be an enjoyable form of self-care.
The next time someone says you bird too much just tell them you are practicing self-care. It may even be true!
Jack Bruce is the founder of WellBirds, an organization dedicated to sharing how birds, birding, and nature contribute to our wellbeing.You are invited to subscribe to the WellBirds blog and follow WellBirds on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.