Your invitation to engage in a little or a lot of Shinrin Yoku…

Join Gary Evans and Meleni Aldridge as they bring the benefits of forest bathing to life

Nature’s therapy

For too many in our world, nature has become a distant and amorphous concept of continually lessening relevance as the draw of technology becomes ever more addictive. Our digital world is amazing, and we have much to be grateful for - making this communication possible for one. But it can also be a tool of separation, responsible for taking us away from ourselves, our communities and the nature around us. The result is catastrophic and we’re seeing the effects all around us. The benefits of spending time in nature are immeasurable because we are natural beings and nature allows us to connect with ourselves, and others, in a way that nothing else in life can replace.

It’s no wonder then that Forest Bathing (FB), known in Japan as Shinrin Yoku (which sounds so much more entrancing), has become so popular in recent years. And no, we’re not talking about taking a shower outdoors and yes, you do keep your clothes on!

Here, Gary Evans, co-founder and director of The Forest Bathing Institute, talks to Meleni Aldridge about the therapy Nature offers freely. Where guided sessions of forest bathing takes groups of people into nature - often wooded areas - to relax, connect and breathe away from the stress of everyday life — and digital tech.

>>> DOWLOAD the MP3 link for the interview with gary Evans so you can save the audio file for easy access.

Shinrin Yoku

Japan is credited as being the originator of Shinrin Yoku, ‘Forest Bathing’ to us, in the huge bamboo forests found there. The term quite literally means ‘taking in the forest atmosphere’. Although much of the research supporting its benefits comes from Japan, it’s far from new, as many cultures have recognised the importance of our relationship with nature. There is more and more research being conducted in the UK now too, for which Gary and his team are a driving force.

Bathing in nature

In its simplest form forest bathing is about being calm and quiet amongst the trees whilst you observe your surroundings and breathe deeply. It’s suitable for everyone, whatever your age or the season, as you take time to be in and connect with nature using all of your senses. Forest Bathing acts as a bridge between us and all that nature has to offer.

Previous research has shown that spending time in wooded areas results in significant improvements in our health and wellbeing. However, the Forest Bathing Institute was instrumental in the publication of the first UK-based peer reviewed study measuring the health benefits of forest bathing, which found that engaging in in a session has a host of benefits including improvements in mood, connection to nature, compassion and more environmental awareness. An improvement in heart rate variability was seen in 57% of participants, while 29% experienced a reduction in levels of anxiety. For those of us that love nature and spend as much time in it as we can, this won’t be a surprise to you.

Forest Bathing revisited

Meleni first talked to Gary Evans of the Forest Bathing Institute back in August 2021 to introduce the concept of what the Japanese call 'Shinrin Yoku' - the art of forest bathing. At the time, much of the world was still held in the grip of lockdowns, mandates and pandemic fever. We're so thrilled to hear from Gary that our interview inspired so many to make contact and get outside - something we all prioritise in our week at ANH.

Whilst we humans are of Nature, and have lived with and depended on Nature since time began, using Nature as a recognised means of healthcare was first developed in Japan and now features prominently on conventional medical prescriptions for some conditions as a choice - drugs or forest bathing? I know what we'd choose! Forest bathing sessions have now spread across the world, but Gary and his team at the UK's Forest Bathing Institute (TFBI) are intent on progressing the science to prove why thousands of people reconnecting to Nature in these sessions are rebalancing, resetting and restoring their health and emotional wellness.

Join Meleni and Gary to hear how TFBI is uncovering the potent secrets of the forest when it comes to our health and wellness. We hope it will inspire you to get out into Nature on a regular basis and never underestimate the good it will do you. If you hug a few trees whilst you're at it, you're only going to maximise your gains! Watch Meleni's interview with Gary to find out why...

The sounds of nature reduce pain and stress

A recent study found that even taking a walk outside and enjoying the sounds of nature is super good for your health (again, no surprise). The researchers found that the sound of water boosts positive emotions, while birdsong reduces stress levels. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study highlights the lack of recognition among mainstream medics of the benefits of being in nature.

Taking time to sit down quietly in nature, particularly wooded areas and tune into the sights and sounds of the environment around you, can bring as much benefit as meditation (scientifically demonstrated to work even when antidepressants don't). It's not just in our minds though - there's also the plant chemicals emitted by trees and other plants, some of which may be very beneficial to our health.

More information:

• Experiencing: For those in the UK, The Forest Bathing Institute (search similar organisations in your own country), offers guided Forest Bathing events to help you truly experience the wonders of nature and the healing it can bring
• Training: If you’re inspired to continue your Forest Bathing journey you could also consider becoming an FB guide.

At ANH-Intl we have long espoused the mantra “Love Nature, Live Naturally” and we spend as much time outdoors as we can. You could say we’re total nature junkies! Being outdoors not only helps our mental health it can also reduce inflammation in the body. We love Nature so much, we didn’t just buy the T-shirt - we designed it so you can also buy it!

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