Have you ever noticed how a romp through some leafy woods can lift your
spirits? Or how a walk along the mountains can leave you feeling fresh and
new again? Living close to nature and spending time outside has been
proven to have significant and wide-ranging health benefits. And according
to new research, these benefits run far deeper than blowing away a few
cobwebs. Exposure to natural space reduces the risk of type II diabetes
and cardiovascular disease among others and can reduce stress levels and
high blood pressure. So, as doors slowly begin to open again, why not
immerse yourself in one of these soul-soothing outdoor pursuits? Who knows
where it might lead…
Earthing
Earthing is the simple process of
walking barefoot on soil, grass or sand in order to allow
electrons to move freely between your body and the earth.
Forest Bathing
Forest bathing or Shinrin-Yoku combines
mindfulness techniques with the therapeutic energy of the
forest
to create a wellbeing experience that can leave you feeling calm and
refreshed.
Foraging
Foraging is the identification, and gathering of edible and medicinal
plants and fungi.
Paying close observation to the plants and wild things around us
puts us directly in touch with our ancestors
– we learn that there’s nothing new under the sun, which is quite a
liberating thought. We can also end up with lovely ingredients to use
in our meals.
Stargazing
Anyone who’s spent time gazing at the night sky will know that
stargazing can leave you pretty awestruck, but recent research has
shown that
exposure to the night sky can actually lower stress and increase a
positive mood.
Stargazing acts as a profound act of meditation, soothing anxiety at
the deepest level.
