Welcome to the beautiful season of summer! I don’t know about you, but I try to be outside as much as I can. The warmth of the sun is inviting me to escape my busy life and absorb the wonders of nature. I am in the middle of my Forest Therapy study, learning to be a guide for mindful walks. And I’m starting to understand why being outdoors feels so good.
Stepping outside into green surroundings has a profound healing effect on the mind, body, and soul. Scientific research reveals that spending time in nature reduces stress, boosts your mood and enhances overall well-being. I learned that it’s all about this phytoncide…
Phytoncides?
Trees and plants release natural substances to protect themselves from germs and insects. They are called phytoncides. When we spend time in a forest or a park, we inhale these phytoncides. And the beauty of it is that breathing in phytoncides reduces stress, boosts your immune system and improves overall health. So simply put, phytoncides are the aromatic chemicals released by trees that can make us feel better when we breathe them in while spending time in nature. Maybe that’s the reason why we are less vulnerable to diseases in summer: Phytoncides keep us healthy!
Have a mindful walk
So make some time for yourself for the next few days. Wander among the trees and let their therapeutic embrace renew your spirit.
Need some guidance? Every Thursday you are able to join my Mindful Afternoon Walk. How does that work? You can see it as a half an hour moving meditation where we intentionally focus our attention on the present moment. By directing our awareness to the sights, sounds, and sensations around us, we cultivate a sense of grounding and calm. You don’t have to go outside for this walk. As long as there are plants and/or trees, you’re good. If you want to stay inside and you want to have the benefits of breathing phytoncides, you can put as many plants as possible in the room. Or you can do the walk in your garden or in a park. It’s important you stay safe, so leave one ear free to stay aware of any traffic.
Join
Wanna try? You can register here. See you soon!