Slow down and boost your wellbeing by mindfully connecting with nature. Be guided through a short practice of Forest Therapy (connecting to nature through the 5 senses) with a certified Guide. You will learn some simple ways to calm a busy mind while discovering why nature can soothe your stress and attention fatigue, and boost your immunity.

When? Tuesday and Thursdays 4-5pm and 5-6pm

Where? City Botanic Gardens. Meet in the Weeping Fig Avenue at the end closest to the public toilets (https://goo.gl/maps/SgPB1cF813LZQvnXA). Look for Kira wearing the Well-Natured Wandering T-Shirt and white hat.

Great for anyone who works or studies near Brisbane CBD

We'll begin with a mindfulness meditation and then explore nature connection activities over a total of 45-60 minutes. You don't need any past meditation experience or a high level of fitness. Your journey has been tailored to the trail and modified to manage any potential hazards, including having a COVID Safe Plan in place.

Brought to you by Well-Natured Wandering, Brisbane's Forest Therapy Guide www.wellnatured.net

If you have any questions, get in touch via www.wellnatured.net/contact

Background Information

The practice of mindfully immersing oneself in nature can be traced back to Japan where it is known as Shinrin-yoku ('taking in the forest atmosphere' or 'forest bathing'). It came about several decades ago as an intervention for the intense stress levels experienced by the working population. Nowadays, doctors in Japan can provide green prescriptions to stressed out patients because they know nature's important capacity to recuperate our mental and physical health. Forest therapy has become an evidence-based, research-supported Public health practice. With so many beautiful natural spaces around Australia, it only makes sense that we make the most of them to boost public health and wellbeing.

Mental and physical benefits that await you can include

• reduced blood pressure (systolic and diastolic)
• lowered pulse rate
• reduced stress hormone (cortisol) level
• reduced anxiety
• surge in the activity of cancer- and tumor-fighting blood cells (‘natural killer’ cells)
• active exposure to anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-viral substances emitted by trees and plants (phytoncides)
• increased happiness and positive mood
• enhanced energy level
• better concentration

More info: https://wellnatured.net/what-is-forest-therapy/