Nature Connection Articles
Our Most Recent Articles
Forest Bathing and Mindfulness
Forest Bathing is often referred to as a ‘nature-mindfulness’ practice in which people are encouraged to ‘mindfully take in their environment using their different senses’ but there are a number of characteristics that differentiate Forest Bathing from Mindfulness, as described here.
Arthritis and Forest Bathing
Arthritis pain is caused in part by inflammation, but this can become a bigger problem when it causes chronic stress or anxiety, as higher levels of the stress hormones cortisol in the body can lead to greater inflammation that can make arthritis more painful. Forest Bathing reduces cortisol levels and so can contribute to reducing inflammation. Participants in Forest Bathing activities have reported significant decreases in pain and depression, and a significant improvement in health-related quality of life following the Forest Bathing activities.
What is Nature Connection?
Many people instinctively know that being in nature is good for us, and research backs this up, showing that people who are more ‘connected’ with nature often report greater life satisfaction; lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression; and greater levels of emotional and mental wellbeing. But what is ‘Nature Connection’
Nature connection is much more than just being in nature or exposed to nature, it is about really tuning in to your surroundings and noticing what is happening around you.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing or 'Silvotherapy' is a health-promoting practice that involves spending time outdoors in nature and amongst trees to enhance wellbeing and relieve stress through increased nature-connection and harnessing the healing and restorative powers of nature.