Have you considered getting therapy? Be prepared to pay between $100 to $300 an hour for care, understanding that diminishing health coverage is putting more of a burden on patients. One diagnosis is all it takes to dramatically reduce the amount of available cash left to cover extras you covet—like vacations.
But it’s possible to get therapy without a therapist, says Dr. Douglas T. Kendrick. He recommends birdwatching to his patients, and if you follow his advice, you can cut back on appointments and spend your money on that vacation instead. Head for Belize, the birdwatching capital of Central America. It’s exactly the kind of therapy that can mediate your symptoms and it’s lots of fun, too!
Why birdwatching in Belize is so therapeutic
- Birdwatchers report significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and general negative feelings.
- Birders tend to increase their exercise, which benefits both body and mind.
- Belize bird varieties are so plentiful, it’s easy to fill a journal, which is super therapeutic, too.
- Birds frequent areas humans find beautiful and soothing—like rainforests near the Hopkins Coast.
- It’s almost impossible to dwell on personal problems when tracking fascinating birds.
- You’ll spend less on your vacation than you would for ongoing therapy appointments.
Select the “nest” that gives you the most pleasure
By selecting Belizean Dreams Resort as your destination—plus choosing either of the resort's all-inclusive packages —you won't have to make lots of decisions. Further, this sanctuary is located in Hopkins, a lush rainforest along the ocean. Staffers specialize in giving guests the royal treatment, and since they all speak English, there’s no pressure to master another language—unless you plan to learn how to differentiate bird tweets!
Access to tours, onsite amenities, and proximity to Hopkins Village offer plenty of diversions, but if you just want to relax and recover, the best place to do that is Belizean Dreams’ beach where myriad mental health perks are found. Exposure to "blue space" delivers benefits that include soothing vistas, rhythmic tides, a blood pressure-lowering vibe, and exposure to ocean breezes and sun. Just 20 minutes of barefoot beach walking is a proven mood-booster.
It's all about the birds
How much time should you devote to birdwatching? As much as you can, say veteran birdwatchers who wouldn’t dream of pursuing their favorite hobby anywhere but Belize. Blogger Lorenzo offers images of 60 popular bird species you can look for on his website, though he admits that there are nearly 600 species in total that can be found in Belize.
Can you stick around long enough to spot all 600? Perhaps. Say yes to Belizean Dreams’ current Belize Unplugged specials and you’re off to a great money-saving start. Rethink that therapy, clear your calendar, make your reservation and search for flights. Before you know it, you may find yourself cruising at a high enough altitude to glimpse a flock of Belize's most beautiful winged therapists!
Book online or contact the Reservation Desk to book.