Today's busy lives can have a significant impact on our mental and physical wellbeing. If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a while, why not have a go at forest bathing? Despite the name you won't need to pack your swimsuit: it simply means the practice of slowing down and immersing yourself in the forest atmosphere.
Forest bathing or 'shinrin-yoku' was first developed in Japan in the 1980s, following scientific studies conducted by the government. The results showed that two hours of mindful exploration in a forest could reduce blood pressure, lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and improve concentration and memory. They also found that trees release chemicals called phytoncides, which have a protective antimicrobial effect on human bodies and thereby boost the immune system. As a result of this research, the Japanese government introduced 'shinrin-yoku' as a national health programme.
Over the last few years forest bathing has begun to gain popularity in the UK. Many of us naturally head outside as a way to unwind and feel refreshed, but the benefits of nature therapy are also backed up by science: in 2018 academics at the University of Derby found that improving a person's connection with nature led to significant increases in their wellbeing.