Counting Butterflies Could Reduce Anxiety, Improve Mental Well-Being

Researchers found a new way to reduce anxiety that would not cost you money -- they suggest counting butterflies.

Why Counting Butterflies Helps Reduce Anxiety?

Researchers from the University of Derby in the United Kingdom and the nature organization Butterfly Conservation reported a 10-percent reduction in anxiety after watching and counting butterflies. They concluded a poll of participants in a large-scale butterfly count organized by Butterfly Conservation in 2022. They also learned that counting butterflies enhances mental health and lowers anxiety overall.

According to the new study, counting butterflies made participants feel more connected to the natural world. Individuals who participated in the butterfly count also said that they saw more butterflies throughout the next six to seven weeks.

Carly Butler, a researcher in nature connectedness at the University of Derby and lead researcher, said the study showed that even short periods spent gazing at and counting butterflies are worthwhile as they benefit our health by reducing anxiety. Also, it developed a stronger nature connectedness whether the participants completed the 15-minute count once or more. This is crucial in demonstrating the significant and positive impact that brief, easy moments spent in nature and with wildlife have on our emotions.

Research such as this one aids scientists in understanding human motivations for environmental conservation and protection. According to the study summary, people are more driven to preserve and safeguard nature when they feel a stronger connection to it.

"While we have long known that there is a link between nature and human wellbeing, this study is the first to prove that the simple act of looking for and counting butterflies leads to a measurable decrease in anxiety," said Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation.

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Panic Attack Vs. Anxiety Attack

Panic and anxiety attacks are often interchanged, with many thinking they are the same. However, the two are different.

As opposed to anxiety attacks, which usually occur gradually in response to specific stimuli, panic attacks might happen quickly. Both can indicate a secret medical problem.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Diseases, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), lists anxiety as a feature of several common mental conditions but does not specifically include anxiety attacks. Anxiety is usually linked to anticipating a challenging situation, event, or interaction. It could happen gradually. Anxiety is frequently accompanied by worry, anguish, and fear.

The sudden onset of intense and often overwhelming dread is a characteristic of manic episodes. They are accompanied by challenging bodily symptoms, such as nausea, dyspnea, and rapid heartbeat.

The DSM-5 recognizes panic attacks and divides them into two categories -- unexpected and predicted. Panic attacks can strike out of the blue for no apparent reason. Examples of outside stressors that are known to cause panic attacks are phobias.

Although panic attacks can happen to anyone, having multiple ones may be a sign of panic disorder, a mental illness characterized by sudden, frequent panic episodes.

It might be difficult to distinguish between anxiety and panic attacks. However, if you understand the distinctions-such the following-it's simple:

(1) Anxiety might develop gradually, but panic attacks usually begin abruptly.

(2) The body's natural response occurs during a panic attack. On the other hand, symptoms of anxiety are often milder than those of physical illness.

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