Latest news with #naturetherapy
BBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
NHS staff being trained to use outdoors for treating patients
Healthcare professionals are being trained to use nature in treating people with poor mental health, it has been England said it was funding courses so NHS staff from across Sussex could learn how to work in outdoor settings. It comes as less than half the population say they've been to the countryside or a local park recently, according to government statistics. "The importance of open spaces cannot be underestimated," said Sarah Davies, Natural England's principal adviser for partnerships in Sussex and Kent. "Nature can relax us, educate us, and help reduce anxiety and depression."We know there are countless benefits to connecting with nature - it makes us feel better, physically and mentally," she continued. Relaxed and refreshed Natural England said healthcare staff reported feeling more relaxed and refreshed when outside - benefits it hoped could transfer into patient care. One senior nurse from the county, who took part in the training, said they "never realised the true impact outdoors can have on an individual and team level"."[I] hope to see it being prescribed in the future as a treatment for certain health problems," they continued. The course, which is spread over five months and carries a formal training accreditation, suits professionals who support children, young people and adults. This includes social and youth workers, therapists and those working in family support, Natural England said. Some 36 NHS staff in Sussex have done the course since 2023.
CNA
05-07-2025
- Health
- CNA
Yes, you can go forest bathing in Singapore – this 49-year-old guide took us to the Botanic Gardens
When she mentions forest bathing, Hazel Yap often gets asked: 'Huh? Where is the forest in Singapore?' Forest bathing is, simply, spending time in a forest or natural environment, and the slow, mindful immersion of all senses to connect with nature. 'You don't need a forest for forest bathing,' declared the 49-year-old Yap. 'You just need to be around greenery. You can even do this indoors with a plant around you.' Yap is a certified guide by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, a global organisation for forest therapy training. 'To me, the 'forest' in forest bathing loosely refers to nature. Forest bathing is about finding connection with nature,' she said. Originating in Japan during the early 1980s, the practice of forest bathing is rooted in ancient Shinto and Buddhist traditions, as well as modern scientific research. Studies have shown that it improves physical, mental and emotional health by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and improving immune function. I had arrived 15 minutes late from a difficult school drop-off for my kids. And as I sat in a circle of strangers, my mind was still darting between my to-do lists. When we began in a yoga-like fashion, eyes closed, breathing deeply, I struggled to even keep my eyes shut. As Yap invited us to focus on each of our senses, my ears tuned in to the sporadic chirping of birds, my nose picked up the green scent of wet grass, my skin felt the soft drop of rain as it bounced off my skin. As my mind gradually stilled, Yap invited us to go on a solitary short walk through the glistening garden. It was a path I had treaded many times – for picnics, to cafes, to playdates for my kids – but never so purposelessly. I wandered amidst low hanging branches, bushes heavy with flowers and weeds growing rampant on the grass. By the time I returned, I wasn't half as frazzled as before. Finally, to end the hour-long session, Yap invited us to bring a gift back from nature. It was a treasure hunt for fallen flora and foliage. I returned with a fern-like leaf for my daughter's bedroom. That was it. My first forest bathing experience. No forest in sight. BECOMING A FOREST BATHING GUIDE 'My job as a forest bathing guide is to open the door to nature for you and plant a seed that will one day grow,' Yap said. This 'door' refers to a deeper connection with nature. 'Many go to the park with intention, and are often running or walking very fast,' she said. Because of that, they don't slow down and fully immerse in nature. Being a forest bathing guide is Yap's passion project; she earns her living as co-founder of Serious Media, a digital marketing agency with multinational clients. It is a fast-paced role, and by September 2021, three years after she co-founded the business, Yap was burnt out. 'I woke up and said, this is enough. I couldn't continue,' she recalled. That was still during the pandemic, so Yap took a 10-day break in Singapore and tried three new things: baking, knife painting and forest bathing. In fact, she arrived at the Healing Garden in the Singapore Botanic Gardens for her nature immersion with an upset stomach after lunch. 'It was raining and I was holding an umbrella. There were a lot of mosquitoes. I was bitten left, right, centre,' she laughed. But as she eased into the session, all her physical discomfort fell away. 'I'll never forget that feeling of the wind blowing on my skin. I felt so alive. When I opened my eyes again, I was surprised by how bright the colours were,' she recalled. When her guide invited her to 'befriend' a tree, it did not strike her as odd. She simply went up to a tree, touched it and leaned on it, and somehow, her stomach felt better, she said. 'After my session, I looked at the signage and realised this tree heals people with stomach issues when parts of it are consumed.' It was such a magical experience that six weeks later, Yap signed up for a forest-bathing guide course with the United States-based Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. 'It turned out to be a healing process for me,' she said. NATURE AS THERAPIST With the pandemic still raging, sessions were conducted over six months via Zoom with participants heading outdoors. It was during one of those sessions that Yap broke down in front of some 30 international course mates. Tasked to sit under a tree for self-reflection, Yap felt a connection to the tree and her thoughts began to wander to her beloved late grandmother, who died at the age of 78 due to respiratory problems. Yap was 40 then. On the day she died, she had just been discharged from hospital, but died unexpectedly as the ambulance pulled up to her HDB block. Yap, who had been following the ambulance in her uncle's car, did not even get to say goodbye. 'My grandmother raised me for the first seven years of my life and was like a mother to me. I felt like my world collapsed. Her death also led me to question what this life is for,' Yap told CNA Women. As these memories filled her mind, Yap started tearing, and soon, this became breathless sobs. 'It felt like a therapy session,' she said. Three years later, after pandemic restrictions on travel were lifted, Yap made a trip to Yakushima Island in Japan in October 2023 to complete her forest bathing course. As a final ritual, she wandered into an ancient forest and spent four hours on her own. 'I came out (of the forest) with a heart of gratitude, and as I was sharing my experience (with my course mates), I broke down and cried. Something was released in me,' she said. The experience changed the way Yap approaches life today. 'In Singapore today, everything is just fast, fast, fast. We think that it is the norm to go fast. It is not. We are not built to be like that. ''Fast' can mean efficiency and being ahead of the game, But it can also mean making hasty decisions. It can bring you stress,' Yap reflected. 'I used to be like that. I walked, talked, ate and did everything fast. I couldn't sit still. The biggest learning for me is to slow down,' she added. 'I now know how to take a pause and make mental space for myself. I will say, I'm not feeling okay today. 'Whenever I am faced with challenges or feel down, I spend time in nature. And even though I may not have solved the problem, I feel like the weight of the world has lifted off.' IMMERSING IN NATURE IN SINGAPORE Today, despite her busy full-time job, Yap makes time to lead others on this experience via her company A Good Rest. 'While forest bathing is still new in Singapore, I hope it will be like yoga one day, where almost everyone that you speak to would say, I have done it before or I'm actually doing it weekly,' she said. In addition, Yap also hopes to organise a weekly reading club in nature. View this post on Instagram A post shared by A Good Rest (@ 'I want to be an advocate for rest,' she said. 'Rest is important; you don't need to feel guilty about rest.' She hopes her children, aged 19 and 21, will benefit from this. 'They are born in an era where everything is fast, and everything they consume is digital. I don't think the word 'rest' is even in their headspace. I hope my children will learn what rest is,' she said. 'Rest does not only mean taking 10 days off for a holiday. In a world that is full of problems, noise and stress, sometimes all we need to do is take that one step out. 'Go to your park, or a quiet spot, sit under a tree and just be with yourself for a few minutes. That is the best way to enjoy nature,' she said.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Lorne Gunter: Who knew Edmonton promotes 'forest bather' program to 'reduce stress and enhance wellness'
Turns out I've been a 'forest bather' all these years and didn't even know it. No, no. That doesn't mean I run starkers into the woods until I find a pond, then leap in for a cleansing dip. According to the City of Edmonton's new 'forest bathing' program (yes, the city actually set up such a program with guides and schedules and everything), bathing in the forest can be as simple as going for an 'exploratory walk' or drinking in all the sensations that surround us in the river valley. Don't you just get all tingly imagining standing in a grove of poplars and chanting a mantra right now? 'Om Mani Pädme Hum!' For a dozen years, since we rescued our beautiful dog Kali with the help of the Edmonton Humane Society, I've been going on long walks down by the North Saskatchewan River three or four times a week. Now that we have a second dog, Cooper, it's a great way to help him burn off energy. (He's a five-year-old border collie–blue heeler cross.) Our frequent walks are a great way to meet other dogs and dog owners. But the dogs and I also know a couple of long trails on which we are unlikely to encounter anyone else. A peaceful hour on one of these paths is very relaxing. I guess that means that all this time I've been a closet forest bather. Who knew? Unbeknownst to me, I've even occasionally used one of the city's approved forest-bathing glades. Twice a week until Sept. 18, the city is offering free 'forest therapy' sessions 'to reduce stress and enhance wellness.' They've hired guides to lead 'silent meditation, mindful sensory exploration and group and individual reflections.' All of this to 'increase connection to nature in our urban forest.' Seriously!? This is an activity that needs to be organized and guided? Isn't that level of formality self-defeating to the simple enjoyment of nature? In his famous 19th-Century book Walden; or, Life in the Woods, a 'reflection on simple living in natural surroundings,' I don't recall Henry David Thoreau talking about meeting up with his government guide at the marshalling point near the parking lot for the spiritual walk to Walden Pond. It's galling to think the city is hitting up taxpayers for this exercise. If you want to get together with a bunch of other meditators to explore the river valley, have at 'er. Just don't make me pay for it from a budget city council is always complaining is overstressed. But beyond the notion that 'forest bathing' is a tax-funded activity in Edmonton — and an overthought one at that — what makes this doubly upsetting is that this program was announced the same week council manipulated its agenda so it could cancel a hearing on residents' legitimate concerns about mega-infill projects in the middle of existing residential neighbourhoods. Talk about getting its priorities screwed up. Council also found time to extend the community revitalization levy for Downtown. That will increase taxes through 2044 to fund projects that have very little chance of revitalizing our city core. But council didn't have time to hear from residents concerned that the neighbourhoods they have made their lives in are being ripped apart by enormous developments on tiny lots with all the parking spilling onto the streets in front. Homes that people have pumped their live savings into are being devalued and their quality of life diminished so the city can push ahead with its unbalanced obsession for 'more homes everywhere.' The majority on council couldn't take the time this week to hear those concerns, but it did manage to find time to approve a seven-acre mountain bike park in the river valley (presumably far from the forest bathing sites). Any councillor with priorities as messed up as this deserves to be turfed out. lgunter@ Zoning bylaw debate poses some thorny issues for Edmonton council Lorne Gunter: Trickery at city hall so Edmontonians went home without being heard You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun
Times
24-06-2025
- Times
Five-star fishing retreats
Fishing is nature's therapy. According to David Lyons, the director at Tackling Minds, a charity that uses fishing to help mental health, 'Spending time by the water can help people slow down, reflect and reset. The calming nature of watching a float brings focus and stillness. It draws your attention away from any external worries and allows you to be truly present in the moment.' And it turns out you don't even have to venture off the island. British rivers and lakes are full of eligible fish to catch. 'There's variety to suit every angler in the UK — from wild trout in upland streams or hill lochs, to big pike in still waters, or bass along our stunning coastlines,' says Peter Devery from Angling Trust. What's more? Luxury venues around England, Scotland and Wales not only have beautiful accommodation to rest your weary head after a day of wooing trout, but also boast miles of riverbanks available exclusively for hotel guests. You can roll out of bed and on to the beat with these eight fancy fishing venues. Scotland is a fisherman's paradise. Salmon and trout famously abound in Scottish rivers. And if you want to experience this beautiful country properly you must stay in a castle. Gordon Castle, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, was built in the 1770s by the Duke of Gordon and has the River Spey flowing through the middle of the grounds. Fortunately the castle has received a modern-day internal renovation since then. Now old-school, 18th-century charm blends seamlessly with 21st-century living (wi-fi and all). With ten lavish bedrooms and all the classic Cluedo board hotspots (including a billiard room), this luxury accommodation is available for exclusive hire and comes fully staffed and catered for by the resident chef, who serves locally sourced cuisine. The castle's four beats (of six rods each) are spread over five miles of double-bank fishing and there is a ghillie at each beat to lend a helping hand. Oh, and there's no fear of getting hungry on this fishing trip — the chef will have packed you a lovely picnic lunch. Per night for up to 18 guests it is £6,400 plus VAT, You might not think that standing knee deep in a far-from-toasty river while sporting waders screams luxury. Well, let me tell you, my lord, that's where you are mistaken. For Candacraig House on the River Don — on which the royal family themselves can be found fishing when at Balmoral — offers the swankiest of services. There is a private chef, concierge, butler and front-of-house staff. This exclusive-use venue sleeps up to 20 guests, has a grand dining room, elegant drawing room and a whisky library. The Don runs through the grounds, meaning there is not only a private lochan and 18 acres of woodland as well as manicured gardens, but also a private stretch of river to cast your flies and catch the famous Scottish salmon. Prices and availability at If you fancy fly fishing with a pro while staying in a grade II* listed castle and dining at a Michelin Guide Chef's Table, then Swinton Estate is the place for you. With over 20,000 acres of land, the estate has not one but two rivers flowing through it. Four miles of single-bank fishing is available on the River Ure, with six miles of double-bank fishing on the River Burn. There are salmon, brown trout and grayling all up for grabs. Marina Gibson, a professional angler and certified Fly Fishing International instructor, is the resident coach at the Northern Fishing School at Swinton Estate and offers lessons at all levels. Swinton Estate has the Park Hotel as well as private cottages and even glamping options. There is also a multitude of swanky restaurants and cafés to try as well as a wellness hub with indoor and outdoor spas. Hotel rooms from £248 per night; prices for the private cottages vary, Ideally located for anglers and amblers alike, this 16th-century former coaching inn overlooks the vast open countryside, with the River Hodder shimmering below. Award-winning food is locally sourced and accompanied by wines curated by the on-site vintner. The rooms are sumptuous and many have views of the river located just a stone's throw away — so close that it would be rude not to make the most of the private fishing. Boasting four rods across seven miles of river containing 14 pools and many an interesting run, this resident-only angling experience will not disappoint. Brown trout, sea trout, salmon and grayling will be awaiting your arrival (along with the ghillie, if you wish). Prices and availability at While the beauty of Wales is undeniable — rolling hills, sparkling lakes and nature galore — luxury hotels with private fishing are few and far between. Enter the Lake Country House hotel. It was constructed in the 1840s as a luxury shooting and fishing lodge, and three and a half miles of River Irfon is available for hotel guests' private enjoyment. If that doesn't sound enough, there is also a four-acre trout lake, stocked with brown and rainbow trout (and the odd lost wild grayling). The front of house are on hand for nifty tips to enhance your catching chances — including a comprehensive list of the best flies to use in each season. To top off the stay, the hotel has opulent suites and the fine-dining restaurant utilises the best local produce to replenish you post-fishing. Prices and availability at Situated on the border between Devon and Cornwall, the Endsleigh hotel has a magical setting. In fact it was the Duke of Bedford who selected this exact spot (choosing from the one third of Devon that he owned at the time) to build a home. There are 21 bedrooms, the original panelled dining room and two large drawing rooms that blend a home-away-from-home vibe with a grand aesthetic. The great outdoors is even more impressive. There are 108 acres of formal gardens, with follies and woodlands — and the River Tamar sketching a line through the centre. If you forget appropriate footwear, fret not, there is a boot room full of wellies for guests to wear while the head gardener gives you the grand garden tour. The hotel is a proud member of Endsleigh Fishing Club, which has six beats spread across eight miles of riverbank, so guests can fly fish for sea trout, brown trout, grayling and even salmon (with a ghillie for guidance if you need). Rooms at Endsleigh from £280 B&B, If you were to picture a quintessential Scottish setting, I reckon your imagination would conjure something eerily close to Roxburghe Estates. The approximately 52,000 acres, made up of immaculately manicured gardens, forests, lawns and the River Tweed, are nature's buffet for the eyes. Floors Castle, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, is the beating heart of the estate. Sadly the castle itself is a family home, so while you can visit to your heart's content, a stay is off the cards. Fortunately the estate has a multitude of holiday homes within the grounds. The Head Gardener's House is a beautiful doll-house-for-grown-ups version of the castle — with a walled garden, elegant drawing room and two bedrooms. You may not be surprised to hear that it was traditionally the home of the head gardener. And it was in 2017 that the current interior design alterations were complete — courtesy of the 10th Duchess of Roxburghe. Two beats (of four rods each) that the estate calls the Upper Floors and Lower Floors have one and a half miles of river each. The Upper Floor possesses 17 pools, giving bank, boat and wading opportunities as well as a traditional stone fishing hut with a log fire. The Lower Floors have double-bank fishing along with nine pools and a large fishing hut with a wood-burning stove. This self-catering accommodation is let for a minimum of three nights during the off season and seven nights during the peak season. Rates vary from about £950 per week to £2,145 per week in high season, Scotland has no shortage of luxury accommodation to match the fantastic fishing. Gleneagles is one of the best-known swanky sports establishments in the UK. Anglers can cast a line in Gleneagle's loch to land a brown trout or reel in Scottish salmon on the River Tay that runs through the grounds. And you don't have to do it alone, with expert instruction from professional guides, beginners can learn the ropes or avid anglers can finesse their fine fishing skills. Then you can flop down on to bed in your lavish bedroom. Each room has been individually designed and inspired by the nature that surrounds it. But before you conk out for the night, you may want to check out one of the many luxury restaurants — from Michelin-starred to casual dining. Low-season rates start from £395 B&B, with mid-season rates from £600, B&B, based on two sharing and including breakfast,
The Independent
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Being active in nature can help people with chronic back pain, researchers say
Millions of Americans are living with chronic back pain, with more than a quarter experiencing lower back pain. It is the sixth-most costly condition in the U.S. and can be incredibly debilitating, making even standing up or sitting at work a struggle. Now, researchers say people may find relief from these and other negative effects of the condition by heading outdoors. Nature offers an escape from the pain, in addition to enabling them to connect with others on a social level, researchers claim. Furthermore, the natural features, including the sound of running water and fresh air, helped to give them a feeling of tranquillity that relieved the stresses and anxieties created by their pain levels. 'Our research showed that those able to get out into nature saw the benefits of doing so, both from a physical and a mental perspective,' Dr. Alexander Smith, a researcher in the University of Plymouth's School of Psychology, said in a statement. Smith is the lead author of the small study which was published Tuesday in the Journal of Pain. The study, which is the first of its kind, asked people experiencing chronic lower back pain – in some cases for nearly 40 years – about the role nature plays in their coping strategies. Its conclusions were based on interviews with 10 people who had experienced chronic lower back pain for between five and 38 years. The research follows previous work highlighting the benefits of nature in fighting stress and promoting mental health. Another study showed that exposure to nature can regulate the sympathetic nervous system in as little as five minutes. Mindfulness-based therapy has also been shown to be effective. 'This means that we can get an almost immediate benefit from stepping outside,' Mayo Clinic nurse practitioner Jodie Smith explained. And doing so on a recurrent basis may prevent cumulative effects from stress, which could mean a lower risk for chronic disease, illness and mortality.' But, people with chronic back pain may need to be more cautious when heading out on a hike. Hiking with an incorrect technique and with improper equipment, such as an ill-fitted backpack, can have a detrimental impact, Dr. Eric Freeman, an interventional spine and pain specialist at Redefine Healthcare in New Jersey, warned. Still, it can also fortify the health of people with back pain. 'Hiking is a good activity for those who suffer from back pain because it helps increase muscular circulation, which improves soft tissue flexibility in the spine as well as other large muscle groups. Hiking also helps strengthen the muscles that support your spine and improves flexibility and posture, resulting in minimized osteoarthritis pain,' he said. Uneven terrain was a factor the study participants said they were commonly worried about, but walking on such terrains can also contribute to improved balance and muscle activity. Based on these findings, the researchers said they recommend that people with chronic lower back pain and their doctors give greater consideration to the role nature can play in their health and wellbeing. They also recommended that natural spaces become more accessible. 'Simple changes, such as better paths and seating, and technological innovations including virtual reality may help make those benefits accessible to everyone. But we hope our findings open the door to greater exploration of how that might be achieved,' Dr. Smith said.
