We know it intuitively -- time in a garden, by the water, or on a welcoming trail just feels good!

Now, scientific research is providing compelling evidence for the benefits of nature and forest therapy. This kind of slow, meditative time in nature is needed in our over-scheduled, on-the-go culture. It's also helpful for people who have health issues and have had to slow down. It doesn't have to be a workout to be beneficial, and people of many fitness levels can participate.

Nature and forest time can:

• Reduce blood pressure and stress-related cortisol levels;
• Increase ability to focus, even in children with ADHD;
• Accelerate recovery from surgery or illness;
• Boost immune system functioning;
• Increase energy levels;
• Improve sleep.

A Forest Therapy practice can also support individual and community health by:

• Enhancing creativity and innovation;
• Improving mood and decreasing “rumination” (the pattern of repetitively spinning thoughts and worries);
• Deepening connection to intuition;
• Strengthening a sense of connection and relationship with other people, and with the "more-than-human" world;
• Increasing teamwork and pro-social action.

Read more about the science here.