～ Stress Management & Selfcare Program in Nature ～

Relax, Reset, and Revitalise in an immersive forest experience, with knowledgable guidance through the multisensory practice of Japanese Shinrin-yoku with different mindfulness activities such as Tai Chi/Qi Gong, Nature photography, Nature craft to ease your stress and help improve physical & mind wellness.

In a very short time, you enter a relaxed state of mind!

What is Shinrin-yoku?

"Shinrin" means Forest, "Yoku" means Bathing. Shinrin-yoku is the practice of walking slowly through the woods, in no hurry, for a morning, an afternoon, or a day. You bathe in the environment of the forest, using all your senses to experience nature up close. It is a simple natural therapy that has been done for many years. With Shinrin-Yoku, trees provide fresh oxygen so you can take a deeper breath and the green colours of the leaves soothe your eyes, sounds of birds calm the noise in your head and you feel the breeze on your skin.

The benefits of Shinrin-yoku

Shinrin-yoku is well known to improve both psychological and physiological well-being, and has become popular around the world for its therapeutic benefits. ​It is well known that the human species originated in nature, and evolved to thrive in the natural world. Since we live constantly outside of the natural environment, it makes sense that spending time in a natural space leaves us with a sense of peace and relaxation. Additionally, plants and trees produce "Phytoncides", which are aromatic compounds that contribute to the subtle yet distinctive scent of the forest. The benefits of Phytoncide are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral.  Though simply enjoying the aroma of the natural environment is relaxing and invigorating on its own, some research has shown that phytoncides enhance the activity of certain human immune cells, which may benefit immune function.

Why do I need a guide?

The  Forest therapy guide is an experienced professional who helps participants gain the most benefit from their walk in the natural environment. Your guide has selectively chosen the walk that offers the key elements in accordance to and the principles and practise of Forest Bathing,  such as mindfulness, feeling present and de-stressing. This is achieved  through a guided series of planned activities. It is also important to note that your guide encourages you to discuss and share the knowledge with other participants so the positive effect and feelings will enhance your wellbeing and those around you. Additionally, it is not only connecting with nature on your own but also connecting with other people. Whilst the results are not always noticeable immediately, in time, the subtle nature of your experience will be eventually felt, and for a long period after the walk.

What do we do during a walk?

The following diagram is the example of what you will experience during the walk;

 

Forest Therapy Programs For You

Standard Forest Therapy Walk [$60.00 per person]

Forest Therapy (Shinrin-yoku) is the practice of  wandering through the forest, actively engaging each of your five senses, and consciously connecting with what’s happening in the forest around you. When practicing Shinrin-yoku, we feel deeply connected to nature and our own bodies through conscious awareness of our senses and responding to the environment.

※Forest Walk 1.5 hour
※Tea & Relaxation Time 15～30 min

Expected Benefits Reduce stress/anxiety,  Improve mood swings,  Deep relaxation, Awareness within self.
What to bring Hat, Sunscreen, Water, Yoga Mat, Small notepad & pen, Insect repellent, Light/Rain jacket (depends on the weather)
Please wear Good/sturdy walking shoes (no sandals or high heels), Trousers if possible, Comfortable clothing

Availability: Please make an enquiry with our friendly consultants for information regarding available dates and times

Tai Chi/Qi Gong in Nature & Forest Therapy Walk [$72.00 per person]

Practicing Tai Chi/Qi Gong enhances blood circulation and our brain function. It strengthens the lower part of body, building balance and calm your mind. By practicing it in nature, the benefits from Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) will give you deep relaxation and health benefits such as lower blood pressure, support a weakened immune system and improve mood swings. Tai Chi/Qi Gong in nature is the great way to discover further insight.

※Forest Walk 1 hour
※Tai Chi/Qi Gong 30min
※Tea & Relaxation Time 15～30 min

​Expected Benefits Reduce stress/anxiety, Lower blood pressure, Help sense of balance, Clear mind
What to bring Hat, Sunscreen, Water, Yoga Mat, Small notepad & pen, Insect repellent, Light/Rain jacket (depends on the weather)
Please wear Good/sturdy walking shoes (no sandals or high heels), Trousers if possible, Comfortable clothing

Availability: Please make an enquiry with our friendly consultants for information regarding available dates and times

Forest Therapy Walk & Nature Photography [$72.00 per person]

If you love photography, or you would like to learn how to take picture of flowers, trees, leaves... bring your camera and enjoy photography during the walk!  All levels are welcome.  When you focus one part of the nature, you will discover different world through the lens and open the connection between you and nature.

※Forest Walk & Photography 1.5 hours
※Tea & Relaxation Time 20～30 min

​Expected Benefits Discovering nature, Reduce stress/anxiety, Relaxation, Enhance Concerntration
What to bring Camera, Hat, Sunscreen, Water, Yoga Mat, Small notepad & pen, Insect repellent, Light/Rain jacket (depends on the weather)
Please wear Good/sturdy walking shoes (no sandals or high heels), Trousers if possible, Comfortable clothing

Availability: Please make an enquiry with our friendly consultants for information regarding available dates and times

Forest Therapy Walk & Nature Craft [$78.00 per person]

Explore your creativity by connecting with nature! During the Forest Therapy Walk, we will collect leaves, gum nuts, tree branches for you to enjoy nature craft at the end of the walk. All tools are provided, so all you do is enjoy Forest Therapy walk with activities and take the memory of the walk with your own creativity and craft. Using nature's materials enhance the feeling of "Connecting with nature" and this is a gentle way to release your stress/anxiety.

※Forest Walk 1 hour
※Nature Craft 1 hour
※Tea & Relaxation Time 20～30 min

​Expected Benefits Discovering nature, Reduce stress/anxiety, Relaxation, Enhance Concerntration
What to bring Hat, Sunscreen, Water, Yoga Mat, Small notepad & pen, Insect repellent, Light/Rain jacket (depends on the weather)
Please wear Good/sturdy walking shoes (no sandals or high heels), Trousers if possible, Comfortable clothing

Availability: Please make an enquiry with our friendly consultants for information regarding available dates and times

About Your Guide - Mayu

Mayu is a Sydney based Tree photographer & Certified Forest Therapy Guide (Certified by Japan Forest Therapy Society - Japan). Originally born in Japan, Mayumi moved to Sydney in 2003 after falling in love with Australia when working as a volunteer for the Sydney 2000 Olympic games. Over the past 10 years, the path of Mayu's  "trees & nature" photography has led her to a new career as a "Forest Therapy Guide" where she offers therapeutic & mindfulness nature walks. "I really believe that nature already knew the reason as to why I have been so involved with tree photography.  During this period, nature has been talking to me through a multitude of experiences, sights, sounds, touch, and the scent of the forest.  She has taught me so much and I believe she chose me for this new career,  for which I am so grateful.  I am excited to be able to share the wonderful journey of Shinrin-yoku now as an official guide!"