Recently, I have been pouring over my old texts on ethology: the study of animal behaviour.  It was always the most fascinating subject for me while I was in university.  As a child, I would sit for hours and observe my pet birds.  It got to the point that I would be scolded for wasting hours and days doing nothing.  But was I really doing nothing?  Perhaps not…

People often ask me how I have such a wonderful rapport with parrots, or compliment the bond that I have with my little Prehistoric Monster, Papaya.  And I have come to realize that I have to give credit to all those “wasted” hours I spent as a child soaking in the detailed nature of my birds.  A wink, a shuffle, a yawn, a hiss, a fluff of a feather, a particular noise, a bob of the head, a tilt, a pause… I know what each of these cues means for each of my individual birds.  We can communicate entirely non-verbally.

Of course now, I understand that this is an entire branch of science… People devote their lives to the study of animal behaviour.   But for me, stumbling upon it as a child in such an organic way was exceptionally meaningful.  And as an adult, I can’t wait to learn more – not only from continual observation, but also from scientists and animal lovers who have a passion for animal behaviour.

After a recent volunteer excursion to Costa Rica, I have become particularly intrigued with the idea of environmental enrichment with exotic animals going through rehabilitation and destined for potential release.  Whereas for my pets I have spent countless hours making new toys to keep them busy and engaged, the animals living at the wildlife center for which I volunteered need enrichment to teach them the valuable skills required for foraging in the wild, and to stimulate their innate instincts for survival.  Environmental enrichment in a place like this is not simply necessary, it is vital for success in release.  The more enrichment provided, the higher the success rate.

Is this concept limited to animals? or can it be applied to humans as well, I wonder…? If a human being is provided with environmental enrichment, will they achieve greater success?

As a human being, the most powerful tool at our disposal is our minds.  Far too often, we do not take care of it.  But it is imperative that we hone this most valuable asset in our arsenal.  Our hobbies allow us to reengage with our minds in a meaningful way.  Hobbies are our very own form of environmental enrichment; they allow us to be creative, and force us to use our minds in a manner different from the norm to solve unique problems.  Many of us are highly skilled in our respective professions, but the daily tasks associated with our professions can sometimes become monotonous or second nature.  When working on a hobby – no matter if it is writing, a sport, crafting, cooking, what have you – our mind is challenged in a way it is not during the work week.  By engaging our mind in new ways, solving problems that we do not encounter every day, we strengthen, sharpen, and rejuvinate our mind.

Over the past few weeks, I have been deliberately making the decision to avoid monotony.  I have foregone lazing around or watching Netflix, or other unproductive activities after work.  Rather, I have consciously been making time for my own personal human environmental enrichment.  In doing this, I find that I am more alert, more positive, and more motivated to solve any challenge presented to me in my life… and, yes, this translates directly into my professional life as well.  I encourage you all to find a little time each day to enrich your own minds… it works for the animals, it worked for me, and I believe it will work for you too.