What are the benefits of forest therapy?
There are a myriad of benefits from participating in a forest therapy walk. These can be categorized as physical, mental and physiological.
Physical benefits
Physical improvements in taking a slow mindful forest therapy walk include improvement in blood circulation throughout the body. The phyical activity also helps to prevent the loss of bone density. Balance and coordination and stimulation of the proprioceptive sense improve as you walk on different surfaces amongst the green of the forest environment.
Sensory immersion
The immersive sensory activities as part of the walk help to improve brain function, and stimulate the visual part of the brain. The eyes become more relaxed and are focused on different views. Looking at a horizon can be particularly valuable, as can looking through the forest layers. Ultimately this helps to improve eyesight.
Physiological benefits
Forest therapy walks can also lower blood pressure, improve cortisol (stress hormone) levels and ultimately help to reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Mental benefits
After a forest therapy walk there is a decrease in mental fatigue and an improved mental outlook. Through the variety of activities participants experience wonder, curiosity and feeling connected to the nature around them.
The International Forest Therapy and Nature Alliance list some direct and indirect benefits.
If you would like to learn more about forest therapy please read this recent article to help understand what it is all about.
Come join us on a forest therapy walk soon.
