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Be Like the Birds: Intentionally Engage in Healthful Behaviour

By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist
Be like the birds | Pelicans rest and preen on sunlit rocks beside calm blue water under a wide sky, symbolising calm, connection, and healthful living as reflected in the post “Be Like the Birds.”
Pelicans resting beside calm blue water – a reminder to slow down, connect, and live healthfully.
David the Psychologist @hennessyclinicalpsychology
When we pause to watch birds, there is a quiet lesson in how they live. They socialise in nature while they stretch, move, connect, sing, and rest. They live in rhythm with the world around them.

Healthful Behaviour and Wellbeing

Healthful behaviour means deliberate choices that care for body and mind. Small consistent actions such as walking outdoors, gardening, sharing a meal with friends, or enjoying the sound of local birds can help regulate mood and reduce stress [1][2]. These simple acts support nervous system balance, lower blood pressure, and build resilience for life’s challenges [1][3]. They are not indulgences. They are a foundation for living well.

Nature and Social Connection

Time in nature can lift mood, improve attention, and restore emotional balance [1][2]. Social connection also matters. Even brief, kind interactions increase a sense of belonging and reduce distress. Feeling connected to others and to place supports both mental and physical health [4].

Movement as Medicine

Physical activity is one of the most effective and accessible ways to support mental health. Meta analytic evidence shows meaningful benefits for depressive symptoms and overall wellbeing across different forms of movement [3][5]. Movement also helps connection. A walk with a friend blends exercise, fresh air, and conversation. That is simple therapy in motion.

In Summary

Be like the birds. Intentionally engage in healthful behaviour. Get a dose of nature. Socialise. Have a chat. Move your body. That is health full living for mind and body.

Enquiries and Appointments

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References

  1. Bratman, G. N., Anderson, C. B., Berman, M. G., Cochran, B., de Vries, S., Flanders, J., … Daily, G. C. (2019). Nature and mental health. Science Advances, 5(7), eaax0903. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax0903
  2. Capaldi, C. A., Dopko, R. L., & Zelenski, J. M. (2014). The relationship between nature connectedness and happiness. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 976. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00976
  3. Noetel, M., Parker, P., Weaver, N., Whittingham, L., Carey, L., & Smith, J. J. (2024). Effect of exercise for depression. BMJ, 384, e075847. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-075847
  4. Holt Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227 to 237. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691614568352
  5. Schuch, F. B., Stubbs, B., Meyer, J., Heissel, A., Zech, P., Vancampfort, D., … Hiles, S. A. (2023). Physical activity protects from incident depression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 180(2), 120 to 134. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.20220147