With Winter firmly on the doorstep it’s important to make the most of the daylight hours and get out into nature to strengthen your winter wellbeing.

Forestry England say wooded areas are dynamic environments that can improve our physical and mental health. And I couldn’t agree more.

From a change of setting to active movement and wildlife spotting there are many ways that a simple wander among the trees can bolster our health.

If you’re still not convinced here are five incentives to get you ready for an outdoor winter wellbeing adventure.

1. Enjoy the benefits of forest bathing

Yes, it’s actually a ‘thing’ – and it’s becoming increasingly popular. The phrase ‘shinrinyoku’ or ‘forest bathing’ first popped up in Japan in the 1980s, when the Forest Agency of Japan dreamed it up as part of a campaign to encourage people to appreciate the health benefits of relaxing in nature.

For the past couple of years, experts have been backing up this movement by conducting scientific tests to measure what effect forest bathing really has on our mood, stress levels and immune system.

Early results show that ‘green time’ may boost the immune system, including increased production of cancer-fighting cells.

A Profile of Mood States (POMS) test recorded decreased scores for anxiety, depression and anger after forest bathing.

2. More movement = better brain health

A King’s College London study suggests fitter legs are linked to a fitter brain as we get older. Researchers set out to investigate whether muscle fitness (measured by leg power) could predict brain changes in a healthy older population and how this compares to other predictive markers of cognitive ageing. Results showed that leg power predicts both cognitive ageing and overall brain structure. What a great incentive to ramble between the trees!

3. Boost mood & sleep quality for winter wellbeing

Exercise improves self-esteem, mood and sleep quality and reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue. Physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed, while staying active helps people with depression to recover.

4. Birdsong raises wellbeing levels & sleep quality

We rely so much on our visual input that often the sense of hearing is undervalued. This is what researchers at California Polytechnic found in their study using birdsong recordings in natural settings and then assessing hikers feedback.

Where birdsong was played hikers reported higher levels of wellbeing than when the wooded areas were quiet.

The biology professor Clinton Francis, who oversaw the research said: “I’m still kind of flabbergasted that only 7-10 minutes of exposure to these sounds improved people’s well-being. It really underscores how important hearing is to us and probably to other animals.”

The scientists said the findings support the need to improve natural soundscapes within and outside of protected areas. Less human noise pollution could contribute to greater human happiness by making it easier to hear natural sounds, including bird song, they said. Read full article

5. Feel more connected to nature

With so much time spent indoors during the darker winter months, you might be feeling that your world has shrunk. Being outside in nature and within the trees can help us to feel more connected to nature and what is going on around us. 

A mindful meander while playing with different senses can open up a whole new experience.  Allow yourself to play as you embark on your woodland adventure.

What can you see, hear, smell, feel and taste?

Give your mind different things to focus on and at the end of an hour I bet you will be feeling calmer.

I hope these tips entice you into the woods to boost your sense of winter wellbeing. Let me know how you get on.

Wishing you calmness

Joe

P.S. If you enjoyed these tips you may also enjoy Mindfulness & Meditation – How Can They Help Me?