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Forest Bathing
Forest bathing is a Japanese practice which involves immersing oneself in the
natural environment of the forest, it’s about slowing down, being mindful and
reconnecting with the natural world. The practice encourages people to fully
experience with the environment and connect with the present moment. Research has shown that forest bathing has numerous benefits. Key advantages include stress
reduction, improved mood, boosted immune system and lower blood pressure. We
have a full blog which includes a guide to Forest bathing on our website, use the link
below to find out more.
Meditation in Nature
Meditation in nature is a practice in which you engage in mindfulness or meditation
while being surrounded by natural elements such as trees, water or natural
landscapes. It combines the calming effects of meditation with the restorative qualities of
nature. There are many ways we can incorporate mindfulness in everyday day life
through activities such as gardening, outdoor exercise or just going out for a walk
with the dog. Recent studies have shown that being outdoors more often can help
people who suffer with seasonal affective disorder and can help reduce depression
and anxiety, so we must aim to spend time outdoors and enhance our
mindfulness. Find out more about the benefits of meditation/ mindfulness in nature
through the link below
Wild Swimming
Wild swimming is a practice which is recently gaining popularity for its physical
mental and emotional benefits such as enhanced circulation, immune system boost,
muscle recovery, stress reduction and many more. The Yorkshire Dales has many
open water spaces which are often used for wild swimming, many of which are listed
in https://the-yorkshireman.com/yorkshire-dales-wild-swimming/ , we have a blog
including safety information, tips and our thoughts on wild swimming which is linked
below
The Therapeutic Power of Countryside Walks for Mental Health
Countryside walks offer a simple and highly effective way to improve mental health.
Whether taken as an independent retreat or a social outing, time spent walking in
nature can rejuvenate the mind, reduce stress and enhance emotional resilience.
Making countryside walks a regular habit can be a powerful step to long term
positive mental health.
for-mental-health
If you have tried any of the above activities please share your photographs and experiences on our Access the Dales Group Page on Facebook