Forest Therapy | bac massage therapy

Forest Therapy

So much of our world now is fast, fast, fast … even the physical speed we move at can be fast. How much can you accomplish in a small amount of time? How much can you cram into a weekend or a day off? How productive can you be?

But is that really what is best for us?

What would happen if you tried to slow down and be a little less busy? A little less productive? Move a little slower? Accomplished a little less?

One of my favorite ways to slow down is to head to a forest for a wander. Not a speed walk, but a dawdle through the trees with my camera. Taking in all that I can and capturing all the amazing things that I see along the way.

This way of basking in nature is actually referred to as Forest Therapy or Forest Bathing.

Forest Therapy in the simplest of forms can be described as mindfulness in nature. It revolves around spending time in nature, particularly among the trees.

​Taking your time to move slowly through the environment, or even just sit. Close your eyes and just breath … then open your eyes and open your senses.

What can you see … what do you smell … what can you hear … is it warm or cool … what does the light look like as it filters through the trees?

Taking the time to notice big & little things like tiny mushrooms on the forest floor or how the branches of the trees catch the falling snow.

Spending time in nature can actually be an antidote for stress!

It can actually lower you blood pressure and cortisol levels, decrease nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, decrease anxiety, and improve mood.

​“As we strengthen our connection with the natural world, our sense of beauty, wonder, awe and curiosity is restored and our brains and nervous system are calmed. Stress levels are lowered and the immune system boosted.”       
​                                                                             ~foresttherapyinstitute.com

Where are my favorite places around Peterborough to get a dose of nature?

• ​Beavermead Park
• Emily Provincial Park
• Harold Town Conservation area
• Harper Park
• Jackson Park
• Kawartha Highlands

• ​Millbrook Valley Trails
• Robert Johnston Ecoforest trails
• Selwyn Beach Conservation Area
• Silent Lake
• Trans Canada Trail
• Trent University Nature Area

So, will you join me for a little Forest Therapy this week?
​I think we could all use a dose right about now, don't you?