Counselling & Psychotherapy for Women Suffering with Trauma, Emotional Eating & Not Feeling Good Enough.

8 Health Benefits of Spending Time in the Forest

Photo: Maksim Shutov

This post is about 8 Health Benefits of Spending Time in the Forest.

Today is The International Day of Forests. This day is an annual observance that takes place on March 21st of every year. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees in our environment and to promote sustainable forest management practices. The day also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the world’s forests and to recognize the many benefits they provide, including clean air and water, biodiversity, and livelihoods for millions of people around the world.

The theme for each year’s celebration is chosen by the UN Forum on Forests, and events and activities are held around the world to highlight the importance of forests in our lives. The theme for this year is Forests and Health.

Here are 8 Health Benefits of Spending Time in the Forest

  1. Reducing stress: Studies have shown that spending time in nature, including forests, can reduce stress levels and improve mood.
  2. Boosting immune system: Forests release organic compounds called phytoncides that have been shown to boost the immune system.
  3. Improving cardiovascular health: Spending time in nature can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and improve circulation.
  4. Enhancing cognitive function: Forests have been shown to improve cognitive function and attention span, especially in children.
  5. Increasing physical activity: Walking or hiking in the forest can provide a low-impact form of exercise that can improve overall fitness and health.
  6. Promoting creativity: Being in a natural environment can promote creativity and inspire new ideas.
  7. Improving sleep: Exposure to natural light and fresh air can improve sleep quality and regulate sleep-wake cycles.
  8. Boosting mood and well-being: Spending time in the forest can improve mood and overall well-being, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and increase feelings of happiness.

Overall, spending time in the forest can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of modern life and help us reconnect with our inner child, nature, leading to a range of physical, emotional and mental health benefits.

SHARE THIS JOURNAL

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jodie

Jodie

Sydney Registered Clinical Psychotherapist, Therapeutic Counsellor, Trauma + Eating Disorder Therapist, Jodie Gale, is a leading specialist in women’s emotional, psychological and spiritual health and well-being. Over the last 20+ years, Jodie has helped 100s of women transform their lives. She has a private counselling, life-coaching and psychotherapy practice in Manly, Allambie Heights and Frenchs Forest on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Jodie is passionate about putting the soul back into therapy!

RELATED JOURNALS

FEEDBACK

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Befriend your body, feelings, mind & soul.

Download your FREE ebook >

About Jodie

CONNECT

Facebook-f Instagram Pinterest-p Youtube Spotify

INSTAGRAM

Certifications

JOURNAL CATEGORIES

Client love

Thank you for all the work that we did together. I know it has gone a long way to healing the way I treat myself & has given me greater Peace. Thank you for the enormous part you have played in my journey.
I spent most of my adult life putting other people’s feelings and needs first. In my therapy with Jodie, I learnt how to nurture and be true to myself.
When I came to therapy, I was depressed and suicidal; my life was pointless. Jodie sat with me in the darkness – she was so patient and always there for me.
In therapy, I learned how to become a nourishing mother to myself – this meant finding ways to soothe myself and meet my needs in other ways, rather than using food and drugs.
I found attachment and trusting in relationships to be my biggest struggle, but with Jodie’s help I barely notice it anymore. Her love and encouragement completely changed my life.
When I first came to therapy, I had no idea of the depth of the work we would do together. I’m leaving therapy so much more confident, empowered and self-believing.
I have spent most of my life in therapy, jumping from one therapist to another just waiting for something to work. And then I met Jodie. I felt comfortable and was able to be open and truthful for the first time.
Jodie’s raw approach to therapy was so refreshing. She had struggles in her own life, I knew what she said was real and I didn’t feel crazy or alone anymore because someone finally got it. Her compassion and desire to see me live my best life is palpable. I owe her my life.
Jodie is down to earth, caring and compassionate. I felt fully accepted for the first time in my life. It was this acceptance that helped me heal from my past trauma, hurts and problems.
The pain in my body was so heavy. It was unbearable. It has been a long and painful journey but now I am coming through the other side.
Sometimes therapy was hard and challenging but I learnt how to communicate more positively and I have more confidence now. It has improved my relationships with my family, with friends and at work.
The kindness, love and compassion Jodie shared with me throughout my therapy, are the most important tools I’ll ever need. The world needs a million more Jodies!
I used to feel completely worthless and not good enough – even more so after many failed attempts at therapy and being told I was ‘treatment resistant’. Jodie was patient with me and it was ultimately the start of my recovery from depression and many years of self-neglect.
Before therapy I felt abandoned and alone. I went to some dark places with Jodie, she witnessed my suffering and was there with me. It was hard but I did it and now I feel stronger.
I believe in destiny and I am so grateful that Jodie came into my life – she taught me about honesty, trust, boundaries, and healthy love.
Working with Jodie is a blessing for anyone fortunate enough to receive her support. She provided for me a space, both empty and full. Empty enough for me to find silence, stillness… and in that calm and quiet space, find me. And full- full of the love she unwaveringly offers, full of support and challenge.
Jodie always reflected back to me that there was something better, waiting on the other side of darkness. For me, she was the light house throughout my recovery journey. Jodie offered me light, until I found my own.
Working with Jodie pushed me to my limits, I wanted to quit so many times, and yet there was something in the way she mirrored back to me my own strength, my own purpose, my own soul, that kept me digging deep and showing up for myself.
Previous
Next

Northern Beaches trauma & Emotional Eating Counsellor, Coach & psychotherapist, jodie gale, has featured in...

AsSeen
Facebook-f Instagram Pinterest-p Youtube Spotify

Jodie Gale. PACFA Reg. ARCAP Reg.

Soul-Centred Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Coach, Trauma & Eating Disorder Therapist.

Counselling on the Northern Beaches of Sydney: Allambie Heights 2100, Frenchs Forest 2086 and Manly 2095. Ph. 0431 878 858

COPYRIGHT ©2024 JODIE GALE.

Befriend your body, feelings, mind & soul

Sign up and receive a free copy of How to Befriend your body, feelings, mind & soul. Our subscribers are the first to receive podcast episodes, women’s workshops, online courses, book release, freebie resources and tools to support your emotional, psychological and spiritual health and well-being.
JOIN NOW