Why forest bathing and tree hugging is the new wellbeing trend that will boost your mental health
Remember the garden Kate Middleton designed at this years Chelsea Flower Show? It was supposedly inspired by the Japanese art of forest bathing.
If youve wondered what exactly forest bathing is, it was translated from the term Shinrin-Yoku which is a form of sensual immersion, gentle movement, meditations and simple yogic breathing, each attuned to the time of day, season and weather.
Its known as nature therapy is centred around wellness by escaping the hustle and bustle of an urban environment. Forest bathing helps you focus on your key senses and surroundings which might mean hugging trees, smelling plants, breathing in fresh woodland smells and listening to chirpy birds.
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And forest bathing has actually been proven to make you happier, calmer and therefore improving your mental health. In Japan its seen as a preventive health care technique as it increases your serotonin levels, boosts your immune system and has a positive effect on blood pressure and energy levels. Basically, its a kind of wellness miracle that we should all be doing.
Of course, we all kind of knew this already. Were constantly being told that mental wellbeing is aided when we spend more time outdoors and luckily, here in the UK we are surrounded by some of the most incredible green spaces.
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Thankfully, there are plenty of places you can try it. The team at the Spread Eagle Hotel in Sussex run a 24-hour f
