Can we get even more from our woodland wanders or forest strolls? South Wales based Rebecca Perkins believes that the act of ‘forest bathing’ and connecting with the natural environment can be a powerful experience that can support our mental and physical health.

As a certified Forest Therapy Practitioner, Rebecca runs guided forest bathing experiences for groups or individuals looking to reconnect with nature and themselves through her business ‘Forest Connections’.

A deeper connection  

Rebecca suggests that “Forest bathing provides an opportunity for us to slow down, immerse ourselves in the forest and ‘bathe’ our senses amongst the trees. This enables us to actively slow our minds and find peace and connection with the natural environment’.

As reported in National Geographic, “While Japan is credited with the term ‘shinrin-yoku’, the concept at the heart of the practice is not new. Many cultures have long recognized the importance of the natural world to human health”.

A recent research study by the University of Derby aims to support and improve the relationship between people and the rest of the natural world by understanding and improving people’s connection to nature.

To achieve “nature connectedness” the study suggests we need to go beyond just ‘being’ in nature and start noticing and feeling it on a deeper level including experiencing nature using all your senses.

Ecotherapy

Rebecca’s guided sessions involve slow, mindful walks that normally last a few hours with sessions recently being offered in the peaceful and calming setting of the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Rebecca said, “Introducing forest bathing to people in the beautiful surroundings of the Botanic Garden of Wales this summer has been wonderful. As a life member it’s a very special place to me and the recently restored woodlands provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the wild surroundings”.

Rebecca has experienced the positive impact of forest bathing on her own wellbeing as well as helping others. She said, “I am passionate about helping people connect with nature for the benefit of their physical and mental wellbeing. There is an increasing amount of research and evidence into the therapeutic benefits of connecting with nature and forest bathing has been shown to have significant impacts on our mental health. I know how I feel when I spend time outside, it’s like my wellbeing is restored, nature heals me. I’ve also seen first-hand the difference a single forest bathing session can have. People often comment on the positive experience of slowing down, feeling more connected to themselves and feeling an increased sense of joy”.

Wales Biodiversity Partnership also report some of the reasons why nature is good for you including;

• Forest bathing or ‘Shinrin-Yoku’, in Japanese, can reduce anxiety by 29%
• Viewing a forest landscape can lead to lower pulse rate and lower blood pressure
• A 90 minute nature walk can reduce negative thoughts

Further inspiration

To discover more about the benefits of forest bathing and what ‘Forest Connections’ offer (including a ‘10-part audio guide to awakening the senses’) by visiting the website: https://forest-connections.com/. You can also discover practical tips to help you connect to nature in our feature ‘Improve your wellbeing by getting even closer to nature’ from issue 27 of Lifeseeker, published in April.