If you're picturing a serious, professional environment where people go around naming the scientific names of birds when I say birdwatching, then I assure you that isn't what I have in mind. To be honest, the only kind of experience I have with serious birdwatching is having watched the movie The Big Year.
I'm probably the most unprofessional birdwatcher there is, but I still love what I do. I truly believe it helps relieve some of my stress, especially with school. The kind of birdwatching that I do, and what I'm recommending as a stress-relieving activity, doesn't require you to know the names of bird species or other trivial facts. A lot of the time, birdwatching for me simply means to just sit on my back deck and watch cardinals, sparrows, and finches eat from the bird feeder in my backyard.
What makes this relaxing? I feel that birdwatching is a great way to have some time outside in fresh air to decompress. Hearing the pretty chirps of songbirds and watching their natural behavior has always been calming to me. I'll sit outside to do my homework while watching them. I'll read a book outside with them. I'll even just sit outside listening to music or being on my phone while also watching them. The act of being outside and watching the birds go through their routines seems so simple and yet so oddly fascinating to enjoy.
When I'm feeling stressed because of schoolwork, doing my homework while birdwatching makes me calm down and focus. It helps me commit to what I'm doing instead of just staring at assignments in frustration. Maybe it can work the same way for you, too.
Going on a walk around your neighborhood to birdwatch is just as calming as what I have described so far. I often go on walks to birdwatch just to get in a little exercise. While walking, you might not see as many birds as you would watching your bird feeder, but the activity is just as calming. Sometimes it is more relaxing for me to go on a walk than to sit and watch the birds eat from a feeder because I am thinking about the nature I am appreciating rather than the things that cause me stress.
Scientifically, it is proven that bird-watching helps us be more mindful. It evokes inward thinking and causes the brain to focus and flow while watching for birds and appreciating the nature around us. Birdsong is also soothing to us. If you want to read more about the mental health benefits of birdwatching visit this link: https://ecohappinessproject.com/mentalhealthbenefitsofbirdwatching/#:~:text=There%20is%20so%20much%20about,appreciating%20the%20wildlife%20around%20us.
Overall, birdwatching is a calming activity that has the ability to help relieve some of your stress. I encourage you to try it and I hope that you enjoy it!