5 ideas for greening your outdoor space for a potential mood boost

Even with limited outdoor space, from a compact balcony to a modest backyard, these tips will help you attract birds to your haven.

City living can often be a mood killer, with pollution, loud sirens and congestion taking their toll.

However, a recent study revealed that living near diverse birds and trees can significantly lift your spirits.

Even if you reside in a condo or apartment with a small balcony, there are ways to transform your green space and bring nature to your doorstep, says Ryan Godfrey, a botanist with the World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF) living in Toronto.

“Researchers are finding that there are positive health benefits for people to having nature close,” Godfrey said. “For me, personally, I live in a condo. I have a balcony. That’s my access to green space. The way I bring nature close is by growing a native plant garden in containers on my balcony. And so that attracts birds and insects and all kinds of biodiversity.”

A Canadian study, published in Nature last month, found that living in a city neighbourhood rich with bird diversity and tree species was linked to increased reporting of good mental health.

The study found that people living in areas with a greater variety of birds reported feeling happier by 6.64 per cent. Similarly, those living near a wider range of tree species reported 5.36 per cent higher rates of good mental health.

And while urbanization continues to grow in Canada, city dwellers can still create small, nature-friendly spaces that boost mental well-being and contribute to a healthier urban environment.

Even with limited outdoor space, from a compact balcony to a modest backyard, these tips will help you attract birds to your haven.