Nature-based healing

Thank you Ian of https://greenteacher.com/ for doing this podcast interview with me.

Key Areas of Focus:

In this Episode, Ian and I speak about scientifically backed ways to naturally decrease chronic stressors. The key areas we focused on were:

1. Forest Bathing

Shinrin Yoku started in Japan. It translates into Forest Bathing in English. Two doctors in Japan in the 80’s wanted to see what would happen when they took workers out of downtown Tokyo for a Forest Bathing walk. Forest bathing is walking at a slow and mindful pace using all of your senses. Cortisol levels tested before and after the walk dropped significantly.

2. Grounding

The bottoms of both of our feet have 7,000 nerve endings. When we walk barefoot on the ground, we soak up millions of electrons from the earth to help to detoxify the blood. Grounding has been shown to help with everything from insomnia to autoimmune disorders.

3. Phytoncides

This is a fancy term for essential oils. Recall that beautiful waft of pine you smell when walking through the forest. Those are phytoncides. When we inhale them, they help to boost a natural killer cell in our white blood cells. This helps to counteract viruses and some tumours.

4. Sit Spots

Going out into nature and finding a spot just for you to observe all the activity around you is a very powerful experience. After numerous visits, animals will realize that you are not a threat. When you use all of your senses, you may be surprised at what you are starting to notice.

5. Nature Prescriptions

Dr. Melissa Lem and PaRx have partnered together in BC to launch the first evidence based green prescription program in Canada. For more information on this program please visit: https://www.parkprescriptions.ca/ Please ask your doctor about this program to help spread the word. Currently BC through to Ontario have adopted this program. The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association is offering free park passes to patients who get a green prescription from their doctor.

Online Wild About Nature Challenge

If you feel that you are needing some help keeping you accountable for getting out for your daily nature walk, perhaps one of the Monthly Online Wild About Nature Challenges is for you. It follows the daily recommendations for a 20 minute walk from the Green Prescription Program. You can also do it right out your own front door at a time that works best for you.

Here is what Susan Stoneham from Queensland, Australia had to say about participating in a recent challenge: ” This challenge had me out walking every day, even when the weather wasn’t that great. This in itself was remarkable, but these challenges offer so much more. It’s very simple but oh so effective.

What happens by the end of the challenge is nothing short of remarkable. It seems that the very act of paying attention to your surroundings somehow flicks a switch in your brain, and you become not only healthier, but happier, more creative, more productive, inspired and definitely much more motivated. I came away with a new sense of self, and a much brighter outlook for the future of our planet.

I can’t recommend these challenges enough. If you feel like your stuck in the fast lane, or that your life has lost its lustre, say YES to one of these challenges and be prepared for miracles.

Well done Susanne. Your prompts and daily motivational messages have left me jumping with joy.  Your love and dedication to saving Earth for future generations, is exemplary and very inspiring. Thank you.”

To register for an upcoming challenge visit:

https://learning.motivatedbynature.com/

I am looking forward to stepping outside with you!