SWAROVSKI OPTIK, a world-leading manufacturer of long-range optics, has partnered with 18-year-old environmental activist and ornithologist Dr Mya-Rose Craig to help uncover the wellness benefits of spending time surrounded by nature this Spring.

Mya-Rose has been an active and vocal campaigner for protecting nature and wildlife since childhood and her work aims to inspire people from all backgrounds to learn more about the benefits of enjoying the great outdoors. This includes encouraging Visibly Ethnic Minority (VME) children and teenagers to connect with their natural surroundings through the charity Black2Nature, which she created in September 2016.

With UK residents looking to embrace the great outdoors and immerse themselves in nature, Mya-Rose has provided four top tips for those eager to focus on personal wellness this Spring.

1. Immerse yourself in nature every day
Whilst it may be hard to find breaks in busy schedules, prioritise spending time outside every day. A recent study from Cornell University found that even 10 minutes spent outdoors can reduce physical and mental stress, whilst improving mood, focus, and physiological factors like blood pressure and heart rate. Early risers can enjoy a moment of tranquillity outside whilst listening to the sound of the dawn chorus, or alternatively, spend a lunch break walking, running or cycling in the great outdoors.

2. Uncover new routes through local haunts
Change the times of daily walks to experience the ever-changing nature of familiar environments and find new routes to explore through local areas to help keep your mind active and engaged. If you’re in an urban area, try using Google Earth to plot out walks that take you past the most trees or new parks. For those living in a more rural environment, learn a new skill by challenging yourself to use Ordnance Survey maps to discover new countryside adventures.

3. Find joy in the wildlife on your doorstep
One of the easiest ways to connect with nature is to put birdfeeders up around gardens or hang them from windowsills to encourage an array of birds to visit our homes. A wonderful practice for those seeking to slow down; take a break to watch the birds feed at the same time every day, count how many flying visitors you get and see what species you can identify. Our feathery friends love sunflower hearts and peanuts but filling feeders with cooked rice works just as well. Those looking to entertain children at home can even make DIY feeders using plastic bottles during an afternoon of crafting fun. Don’t forget to put water out for the birds too; a bowl or upside-down bin lid creates a fantastic mini pond for cleaning and will bring hours of entertainment and joy.

4. Invite nature into your home
This Spring, invite nature into your home when taking a moment to yourself. We’re all aware of the importance of taking time to rest and recharge but combining this time with activities that bring us closer to nature increases the resulting positive health benefits. Nature enthusiasts looking to recharge their batteries with some Spring reading can discover more about birds in the ‘Collins Bird Guide 3rd Edition‘ and ‘Diary of a Naturalist‘ by Dara McAnulty. Music lovers can download the Collins Bird Guide app which features birdsong and bird calls, making it great for learning about and listening to the sounds of the outdoors. If podcasts help you relax, try ‘Get Birding‘ a beginner’s birdwatching podcast where I speak with celebrity birders and share top tips on birdwatching. The podcast, in partnership with SWAROVSKI OPTIK and Severn Trent Water, is available to download from https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/get-birding.

The world belongs to those who can see beauty.
Experience the moment!
SEE THE UNSEEN.
www.swarovskioptik.com

For more details on Dr Mya-Rose Craig and her work, visit www.birdgirluk.com.

Photo captions:
Image 1: Dartmoor National Park, Devon. Photo Credit Emilia Czarnota from Pexels.
Image 2: Mya-Rose using the SWAROVSKI OPTIK ATX 25-60×65 Spotting Scope and EL 8.5×42 binocular in Chew Valley Lake. Photo Credit Oliver Edwards. Copyright Dr MC Birdgirl Ltd.
Image 3: Find joy in the wildlife on your doorstep, like this blue tit. Photo Credit Pixabay from Pexels.

ABOUT SWAROVSKI OPTIK
SWAROVSKI OPTIK, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes, rifle scopes, and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. The turnover in 2017 was 146.3 million euros (2016: 140 million euros), with an export ratio of 91%. The company has around 950 employees.

ABOUT DR MYA-ROSE CRAIG
18-year-old Dr Mya-Rose Craig D.Sc. h.c. is a prominent British Bangladeshi birder, conservationist & environmentalist. She is committed to conservation such as stopping biodiversity loss and saving our planet through halting climate change, whilst respecting indigenous peoples, and highlighting Global Climate Justice as it intersects with Climate Change Action. She focusses her attention on change from governmental and huge global corporations.

She writes a blog, Birdgirl, gives talks having spoken on a shared stage with Greta Thunberg, writes articles, also appearing on TV and radio. For her work as Founder and President of Black2Nature, which she set up at age 13, she is the youngest British person to be awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science age 17 for her work fighting for equal access to nature and for ethnic diversity in the environmental sector. In September 2020 she visited the Arctic with Greenpeace, highlighting the second-lowest sea ice minimum and doing the most northerly youth strike ever.

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For Media Enquiries, Images and SWAROVSKI OPTIK Product Loan, contact:
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