In the midst of the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding COVID-19, when we feel like things are out of our control, one pro-active thing we can do is to take a walk in the woods (it doesn’t even have to be on the wild side!). Any trees or woods will do, including your own backyard or neighbourhood. Many studies have shown that ‘forest bathing’ has a positive impact on our health. Trees give off many beneficial chemicals that support our immune system. If you’re not familiar with forest bathing, we recommend the following reading - in links below. In the last article, biochemist and botanist Diana Beresford-Kroeger writes: “Tree air is loaded with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antiseptics, antivirals and analgesics… These airborne compounds increase immune system regulators, while decreasing respiratory rates, stress levels, blood pressure and stress (adrenaline and cortisol).”
Cover image by cleandiesel from Pixabay