Three Ways You Could Benefit From A Walk In The Woods

Anyone who has lived in a major city for at least a couple years understands that the hustle and bustle of big city life can take its toll on both the mental as well as the physical well-being of a person. Sarah Ivens, the author of Forest Therapy, has recently given us a glimpse into some unique, simple, and unconventional healing methods that you probably never knew existed.

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Ivens notes that, as a child, she was always drawn to the wilderness, whether it was the greenery surrounding her parents’ London home, a nearby forest, or a pond. Like most people, as Sarah became an adult, she felt herself gradually distancing herself from mother nature and becoming trapped in grey offices and the monotony of a stressful and exhausting corporate life.

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After doing a bit of research, Sarah discovered the shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, movement, which has helped her to turn her life around completely.

“I realized what I knew all along – I needed to get back into the great outdoors, wiggle my toes in the grass and breathe fresh air deeply again. I’ve never looked back,” says Sarah.

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In a recent interview with Healthista, Sarah explains some of the medical benefits of forest bathing.

Reduced Mental Fatigue

The Journal of Environmental Psychology published a study which revealed the positive effects of restorative environments like forests, lakes, and beaches. According to their findings, exposure to these places leads subjects to a restored state of mental energy and a ‘brain boost’ inspired by the natural beauty.

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Increased Creativity

It turns out that taking a stroll through a park could actually influence your creativity levels and your ability to solve problems thoroughly, as well as inspire you to think outside of the box.

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Upgraded Happiness

While you might be skeptical about this one, the results don’t lie! If you still don’t trust the data, the next time you find yourself in a bad mood, take a walk outdoors and see for yourself how your mood and self-esteem improve.