TIME with the TREES
Hampshire Life|July 2020
Escape lockdown and experience the art of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing, to soothe the soul and reset the mind
Natalie French
TIME with the TREES

‘Shinrin’ in Japanese means ‘forest’, and yoku means ‘bath’ – so ‘shinrin-yoku’ means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses,” explains Dr Qing Li, President of the Japanese Society of Forest Medicine.

“This is not exercise, hiking or jogging – it is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our sense of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Shinrin-Yoku bridges the gap between us and the natural world.”

Having studied forest medicine since 2003, Dr Li explains how forest bathing has become a vital part of preventative healthcare in Japan – prescribed to improve sleep quality, ability to focus and mood – which in turn, aids both physical and mental health by reducing the effects of stress on your body.

“Immersed in the natural world, we can experience the miracle of life and connect to something larger than ourselves. Nature takes our breath away and breathes new life into us”.

On a more local level, Sonya Dibbin is a Forest Therapy and Earthwalking Guide who lives in Winchester with her son. She set up ‘Adore Your Outdoors’ (adoreyouroutdoors.co.uk) in 2019 following a successful 25 years in IT Management.

“I wanted to spend more time outside in nature to connect with my creative side, and I felt a strong desire to help others with their emotional wellbeing. I have been interested in mental health for over a decade; I qualified in level 4 Therapeutic Counselling in 2011, and more recently in Children and Young People’s Mental Health.

This story is from the July 2020 edition of Hampshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 2020 edition of Hampshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HAMPSHIRE LIFEView All
Southampton's first Michelin star?
Hampshire Life

Southampton's first Michelin star?

Newly opened southeast Asian restaurant, Blue Jasmine, could have all the right ingredients to claim the coveted title

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
This GIRL CAN
Hampshire Life

This GIRL CAN

Tracy Edwards MBE paved the way for women in sport with her boat Maiden. Now, 30 years on, she’s showing women around the world that they can do something amazing too

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
The good ship LIBERTY
Hampshire Life

The good ship LIBERTY

A call out on Instagram saw this Overton artist being included in the iconic Liberty Book

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
For KING & country
Hampshire Life

For KING & country

Can someone be born into greatness? We share the story of one of Britain’s most underrated monarchs, Henry III

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Doing it for THEMSELVES
Hampshire Life

Doing it for THEMSELVES

Multi-tasking sisters Iman and Yasmine El Sheik have just launched their new haircare brand Divinely Made, set to transform curly locks across the country

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
The Bear Ladies
Hampshire Life

The Bear Ladies

Julie Tatchel and Amanda Middleditch from Bear It In Mind in Hythe regularly have viewers in tears with their bear restorations on the BBC hit show, The Repair Shop

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
A walk in Wonderland
Hampshire Life

A walk in Wonderland

A New Forest walk in the footsteps of Alice Hargreaves, the inspiration behind Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Creature comfort
Hampshire Life

Creature comfort

From growing up with Hampshire racehorses to caring for dogs and cats at home, Clare Balding’s love of animals has seen her through good times and bad

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
A rare find
Hampshire Life

A rare find

Hampshire’s diverse habitats attract all of Britain’s six native species of reptiles

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
A friend in need
Hampshire Life

A friend in need

Margot has met a kindred spirit to share her renovation horror stories

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020