Assessment
Immerse Yourself in Nature
Make your next outdoor walk more meaningful by observing and identifying what you see
Pamela Moore/Getty Images
Quick Win
Hone your naturalist skills to engage your senses and connect more deeply with the world around you.
Try This Today
- As you walk or hike, pay attention to the creatures and plants around you. Can you identify at least five species on your trip?
- Bring a regional field guide to help you identify the birds, trees and other living things you encounter. Or travel light and use a phone app instead. Merlin can help you identify birds by sight or sound; iNaturalist identifies plants and lets you share your findings with other observers, and iTrack Wildlife can help you figure out which animal's prints you're seeing.
- Carry binoculars so you can see specimens that are farther away, such as an owl perched high on a tree limb.
Why
Engaging with nature is associated with a variety of physical and mental health benefits, including improved mood and cognitive function, according to an analysis of 39 studies published in 2022 in the Journal of Global Health. Observing and identifying species also requires you to focus and engage your senses. Watching birds for 30 minutes was associated with improved well-being and less anxiety in a study of 156 adults ages 18 to 80 published in 2023 in Urban Ecosystems.
More Ways to Benefit
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