Forest Therapy (City Botanic Gardens)

You're invited to spend some time peacefully immersed in nature at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.

Whether you've been looking to try mindfulness for the first time or you are a seasoned meditator, this is your chance to experience the benefits of Forest Therapy. With a Guide, you will receive invitations to deepen your awareness of the natural elements around you and within you, thereby accessing the therapeutic effect of nature more fully.

We'll wander slowly with space for quietness and inquiry over ~1.5 km in two hours. You don't require any prior meditation experience or a high level of fitness. Your journey has been tailored to the trail and modified to manage any potential hazards, including having a COVID Safe Plan in place.

This is your calling. Slow down, tune in and reconnect with calmness in Brisbane's natural beauty.

If you are feeling ill, do not attend this walk.

Brought to you by Well-Natured Wandering, Brisbane's Forest Therapy Guide

Background Info

Forest therapy is an evidence-based, research-supported Public health practice that originates from Japan where it is known as Shinrin-yoku (translating to 'immersion in the forest atmosphere' or 'forest bathing'). There are many important mental and physical benefits awaiting you, such as

• reduced blood pressure (systolic and diastolic)
• lowered pulse rate
• reduced stress hormone (cortisol) level
• reduced anxiety
• surge in the activity of cancer- and tumor-fighting blood cells (‘natural killer’ cells)
• active exposure to anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-viral substances emitted by trees and plants (phytoncides)
• increased happiness and positive mood
• enhanced energy level
• better concentration

It came about as an intervention for the intense stress levels experienced by the working population. Nowadays, doctors in Japan can provide green prescriptions to stressed out patients because they know nature's important capacity to recuperate our mental and physical health. With so many beautiful natural spaces around Australia, it only makes sense that we make the most of them to boost public health and wellbeing.