Flocking together – how a birding hobby may boost your mental health and build community

Birding is a good way to practice mindfulness, psychologists report. Jennifer Andrews If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a rut while cooped up all day at a nine-to-five job, or just felt stressed about work, school or life in general, you’re not alone. Hearing “just go outside” might sound like trivial advice, but researchers have been investigating a new, unconventional strategy to boost mental health: Seeking the company of wild birds. You’ve probably heard them singing or noticed them…