Finding Your Right Mind — with Vanessa Potter

Vanessa Potter

Join my 'consciousness road-trip' where I delve into the many ways we can help ourselves live less frenetic and stressed-out lives. With regular guests, I'll discuss different 'mind practices' from mindfulness, yoga, compassion, bodywork, forest bathing psychedelics — no practice is off bounds. I'll talk about the science behind each practice, what it's really like to experience, the pitfalls and challenges and how we can discover our own wisdom. If you want to find out what made me quite so curious about mind and body practices, check out my book "Finding My Right Mind: One Woman's Experiment to put Meditation to the Test", (Welbeck 2021) Got questions or topics you'd like me to cover? contact me at www.vanessapotter.com read less

Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Play Trailer

Series 3 - ParkBathe

Series 3 - ParkBathe

Series 3 is a whole new adventure!In March this year I interviewed Kirsten McEwan a health researcher at Derby University about her work using compassion practices (check out the episode) Off-air we ended up chatting about walking, nature and health and that has led to an exciting project called ParkBathe. With my background as a wellbeing author who has just spent 3 years as a human guinea-pig for Cambridge neuroscientists whilst they recorded my brain activity via an EEG headset as I meditated my way through 12 different meditation styles...we felt that between us we knew quite a lot about wellness interventions and that we'd probably make a great team :) Kirsten led the first UK comparison study on Forest Bathing, a prescriptive health intervention develped in Japan in the 1980's. This involves walking slowly and consciously in ancient woodlands for 2-3 hrs. What's exciting is that ParkBathe is a streamlined, accessible and secular version of this model — involving just 1 hr of slow, guided walking in local parks. We are super excited that over the last few months we have tested the model out (with huge success!) made a film (check it out below) and won National Lottery funding to roll out a series of mindful walks in Crystal Palace Park this Autumn. And yes, Series 3 will be following what happens. I will also be digging deep into green health, the benefits of being in nature and our relationship with green spaces and why some of us feel separate from nature. We'll also be uncovering some of the hidden mysteries within Crystal Palace Park and exploring the biodiversity that many of us (including me!) walk past. So if you're local to Crystal Palace come along to one of the FREE guided walks. They are open to everyone, but we are particularly keen to invite people who might not normally engage with a mindful activity. Perhaps you don't see the point, feel that's it's all a bit weird and spiritual – or just not for you. If that is you, or you know someone like that, we'd love to invite you along to test out ParkBathe. You can bring a buddy too! The whole point is that this project is a Citizen Science initiative which means YOU get to test it out and see what works. This will help us finesse the model to make sure it is accessible to everyone — even those who think slow, conscious walking isn't 'their thing'. So, join us at the ParkBathe Facebook community and watch the film we've made all about the project. There are some links here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CABnbqD-i_chttps://www.facebook.com/groups/233131951577649https://derby.openrepository.com/handle/10545/625571https://uk-podcasts.co.uk/podcast/finding-your-right-mind-with-vanessa-potter/why-compassion-might-just-save-your-lifeSupport the show

Episodes

Go Jauntly: Walking a different path...

Go Jauntly: Walking a different path...

In this interview I talk to Sage from Go Jauntly (which is a walking App) about the different ways we can walk - whether it's alone or with friends or family. Go Jauntly is a start up, providing tons of digital mapped walks via their App. We found huge crossover with what we do at ParkBathe - their members experience some of the clarity and calming nature of forest bathing too. Check out their nature notes and Green Care Code, which are really great ways to discover and bring nature into your life. You may already do something like this. If you do, let us know ! Go Jauntly offer food tours, shopping tours, street art walks - fun games and family adventure walks so there is something for everyone. You can connect with other walkers too through their online community.If you like the episode and found it useful do leave us a review and share it with friends and family. Maybe there is someone you know who is sceptical of 'walking for wellbeing', but who would enjoy a street art tour or a pub walk? Support the show

Street Wisdom: Take the first step...

Street Wisdom: Take the first step...

This episode is a real treat. I had an inspiring chat with Rachel Crowther from Street Wisdom, the social movement, that gets people from all around the world walking, looking at and experiencing their local streets in a whole new way. Have you ever taken yourself off the beaten path - just to see what you might find? If not, try it sometime. If you'd like some hints on how to do this, you can use the short audio prompts provided by Street Wisdom. The idea is that the 'idea' (or whatever solution or inspiration you are looking for) is likely to be found on your doorstep. That might sound a bit wild or silly - but think about it. How many times have you taken a walk to clear your head, work through a problem or come up with a new approach? Street Wisdom follows this principle, with a whole host more. And...as we discovered has many overlaps and parallels with the ParkBathe project. https://www.streetwisdom.orgSupport the show

Lil Stevens: Casting light on fossils, ferns and the prehistoric legacy of Dino Island.

Lil Stevens: Casting light on fossils, ferns and the prehistoric legacy of Dino Island.

Welcome to another ParkBathe conversation where we dig down (literally) into nature and conservation. This episode features Dinosaur island and a fascinating area of research, namely, paleo planting. I talk to Dr Lil Stevens from the National History Museum about the ancient-looking ferns found on "Dino island" inside Crystal Palace park. Dino Island got its name because it is found in the middle of the lake and is surrounded by famous (and super cool) dinosaur monuments. It's pretty hard to visit Crystal Palace and not be steered in the direction of these famous concrete beasts.Lil is the Collections Task Force Manager at the National History museum and is a paleo botanist who volunteers with the Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs. That means Lil has lots to say about fossils, plants and "palaeoenvironments". She starts by telling me the story of a rare fossil tree she found near her home.I loved chatting with Lil, she manages to bring prehistoric environments to life with passion and vigour. If you'd like to visit the park and see the dinosaurs (and ferns) up close check out the next open day talk hosted by https://cpdinosaurs.organd support their important conservation work.If you enjoyed this episode why not leave us a review and check out the other interviews in the ParkBathe series.Presented by Vanessa Potter, Edited by Melissa Green.Support the show

Joanna Bristow-Watkins: The inside scoop on Forest Bathing

Joanna Bristow-Watkins: The inside scoop on Forest Bathing

This week I am sharing a fascinating chat with Joanna Bristow-Watkins, a forest bathing guide based in Surrey. We talk about what it's like to be a guide and what benefits there are to be gained from forest bathing in an ancient woodland - from evoking childhood memories via the limbic system to why rain is just SO awesome. Joanna and I get into the science of forest medicine and also some of the common experiences reported by people who have gone on her walks. Some of which might surprise you. If you've ever toyed with becoming a forest bathing guide yourself, you might find this very useful. Joanna Bristow-Watkins, Reyad Sekh Em® (Egyptian Alchemy Healing) Practitioner & Teacher www.harmonyhealing.co.ukProduced & edited by Vanessa PotterSupport the show

Emily Finch: Using Art to see the Wood from the Trees

Emily Finch: Using Art to see the Wood from the Trees

Today I’m sharing a poignant and at times, emotive interview with Emily Finch as she describes her deeply personal and intense relationship to trees. London-based artist, Emily has always had an affinity to the natural world, but this took on a new meaning when she experienced an unexpected tragedy. Here at ParkBathe, we know that trees are amazing (check out our dedicated TREE EPISODE in series 3 called Geeking out on Trees) but we can all gain an additional layer of insight when we listen to other people's stories of how nature - and trees - can heal us. Its another interview that mentions lockdowns which feels so old now -but you'll hear how Emily's story is just as relevant now as ever. Remember to SUBSCRIBE and drop us a line at parkbathe@gmail.com or tag us on social media. www.emzfinchart.co.ukProduced by Vanessa Potter, edited by Melissa Green. Photography by Joanna Nicole.Support the show

Louise Montgomery: Digging into our relationship with nature

Louise Montgomery: Digging into our relationship with nature

I really wanted to share this interview. Although it was recorded just after the last lockdown, so much of what Louise talks about is relevant today. We discuss plant blindness - how 'not noticing' the evidence of nature around us renders us blind to the natural world. If we can learn to notice our local trees or wallflowers - even a hedge on the walk to work - we start to forge a relationship with nature, which leads to pro-conservation behaviours. We discuss the relationship children have to nature and how critical it is to introduce them at an early age and how that changes from culture to culture and from exposure at a young age.Packed full of thoughtful insights and information I promise you will feel inspired and hopefully motivated to get out into your local park :)Do subscribe and connect with us on social media, email us on parkbathe@gmail.com and leave us a review ! https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-englandProduced by Vanessa Potter and Edited by Melissa Green.Support the show

Stefan Batorijs: The language of nature and a cathedral made of trees.

Stefan Batorijs: The language of nature and a cathedral made of trees.

Welcome to series 4!We are kicking off this series with a thought-providing conversation with Stefan from Nature and Therapy UK, where he combines a mixture of ancient wisdom with modern science to help people navigate their lives more effectively. Stefan and I talk about the language of trees, how sometimes they give us the words we can't find for ourselves and how nature reflects our own inner landscape far more than we realise. This interview was one of the many we used for series 3, but like so many experts I spoke to, I felt you should hear everything Stefan had to say.http://natureandtherapy.co.uk/Support the show

ParkBathe: Rewilding, conservation and thinking like an Environmentalist.

ParkBathe: Rewilding, conservation and thinking like an Environmentalist.

Welcome to the episode 7 of our ParkBathe podcast, getting our hands dirty as we dig into conservation, environmentalism and giving back to nature. What is conservation? What is ReWilding? Kirsten and I shed some light on these topical themes and ponder if activities like forest bathing encourage pro-environmental behaviours. We hear from conservationists, environmental and re-wilding experts at Rewilding Britain, and Trees for Life and find some helpful ways to best support nature, whether that’s in our gardens, allotments, in our kitchens, online or on a larger scale. We hear from Gonzovationist Ceri Levy and author of the Joyful Environmentalist, Isabel Losada along with a host of nature experts - we've left no rotting log unturned ;) We promise you'll discover something new and you might find you understand the nuances of the conservation battle a little bit more too - and even feel inspired to take action. We have tips on where to start green volunteering locally. There are TONS of links in today's show notes too and check out the BONUS. Remember to subscribe and share this episode to anyone else who might like to listen. Connect with us on social media too :) Show notes links:https://www.tcv.org.uk/greengym/ find a green gymhttps://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk Richard Bunting, Press & Media, Rewilding Britainhttps://eu-citizen.science/projects join a citizen science projecthttps://treesforlife.org.uk/support/plant-a-tree/ Donate to plant a tree Kat Murphy Education Manager, Trees for Lifehttps://earthwatch.org.uk/get-involved/tiny-forest Tiny Forest link up landowners/funders/volunteers who want to grow a Tiny forest https://earthwatch.org.uk/get-involved/naturehood Naturehood offers weekly tips on Facebook to help wildlifehttps://gimletmedia.com/shows/howtosaveaplanet Conservation podcasthttps://www.isabellosada.comhttps://www.triodos.co.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucysinvitationWebsite: www.lucysinvitation.ca Lucy Szczesniak Forest Bathing guidehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6176042/https://www.powerforconsciousliving.com/empathy-with-naturehttps://gonzovation.com/https://invisiblepalace.org.ukhttps://www.wildlondon.org.uk/great-north-woodhttps://hughwebsterauthor.wordpress.com/blog/ Hugh Webster Conservationisthttps://environment.leeds.ac.uk/geography/staff/1013/dr-steve-carver Dr Steven Carver, Senior Lecturer, University of Leeds Written by Vanessa Potter and Kirsten McEwan and edited by Melissa Green. Support the show

Conservation BONUS: Ways to improve your life AND the planet

Conservation BONUS: Ways to improve your life AND the planet

Conservation, re-wilding and environmentalism are such huge topics that we have spilled out into our bonus episode with more though-provoking ways to think differently about helping ourselves and our planet.Conservation isn't always about looking forwards (of course, that is essential !) but it can help our perspective to look back too and Lil Stephens, a paleo-botanist, helps us do that. Chantelle from the Great North Wood project tells us what you can get from volunteering with them and Louise Montgomery gives the lowdown on how being out in green spaces volunteering can benefit our wellbeing too. Listen out for tips to look at your home in a new light from Isabel Losada, author of the Joyful Environmentalist - and see what changes you could make today. Written and produced by Vanessa Potter.For all links see the main episode ! DO leave us a review and subscribe :) Support the show

Blue Health: Watery delights and Secrets of Crystal Palace Park

Blue Health: Watery delights and Secrets of Crystal Palace Park

Welcome to this week’s episode which dives into blue Health and Crystal Palace Park ! We have so much to share in this packed-out episode. Meet the amazing Crystal Palace dinosaur team, hear from the lovely paleo-botanist Lil as she explains the planting around the lake. We celebrate the unsung female heroines of the'dino world' and give a shoutout to some of the amazing groups operating in the park. We’ve talked a lot about green health - so Kirsten explains how water can help our wellbeing too - from walking by lakes or canoeing down the Thames. We hear about the history of Crystal Palace park and some of the hidden delights it has to offer locals and those who visit on the train !And don't forget to check out the bonus where Jules Howard, all-round zoologist and pond nerd gives us instructions on how to save frogs by giving them a new home - in your back garden ! Remember to subscribe and send a photo if you make your own pond - we'd love to see which critters visit it ! LINKS:https://www.gojauntly.comhttps://www.juleshoward.co.ukhttps://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england@StonesSpeakinghttps://www.speakingstones.org/@CritMomenthttps://cpdinosaurs.orghttps://www.crystalpalaceparktrust.org/park-people/https://www.facebook.com/friendsofcrystalpalacepark/https://crystalpalacefestival.org/?doing_wp_cron=1644056438.5092930793762207031250http://www.crystalpalacemuseum.org.ukhttps://invisiblepalace.org.ukhttps://www.capel.ac.ukhttps://cpsubway.org.ukhttps://filmfreeway.com/cpiffWritten and presented by Vanessa Potter, audio edit by Melissa Green.SFX by Zapsplat.comSupport the show

ParkBathe Bonus: Delights of Crystal Palace Park

ParkBathe Bonus: Delights of Crystal Palace Park

We have some treats for you in this week’s ParkBathe bonus. check out Sage's favourite walk from Go Jauntly, the walking App - guess where it is !And I promised some instructions from Jules Howard, allround zoologist and pond nerd on how to create your own water wonderland in your back garden that will be full of jiggling, wriggling cool critters for you to seek out. Plus you’ll be supporting your local wildlife by creating a new watery habitat for frogs - so that makes you an environmentalist too! Lil Stevens from the National history museum gave me a few top tips of plants to look out for around the lake. That way you enjoy much more than just the fab dinosaurs and of course, a great day out. If you do make a bucket pond in your garden send us a picture ! we love hearing from you on social media and share this bonus with anyone who might like it. LINKS:https://www.gojauntly.com https://cpdinosaurs.orghttps://cpdinosaurs.org Support the show

ParkBathe Bonus: Engaging Children with Nature

ParkBathe Bonus: Engaging Children with Nature

Here are some fun nature activities to do with friends and family in your local park. These activities can be done at any time of year and with pretty much any age group too - so big kids are catered for ! Stephanie Thorlby, one of our guest guides, brought some of her Forest School experience to our ParkBathe sessions. Learn how to make a 'leaf rose' in this bonus (which is a really simple to do but looks amazing) Why don't you share pictures of your own leaf rose on our social media channels?We also have an activity inspired by Andy Goldsworthy to help you create stunning pieces of art by using only natural elements. Check out his work on our FB group. Let your imagination go wild as you use twigs, leaves, stones, bark, petals or grasses to make your own art in the park - and leave it there for someone else to discover on their walk.Finally, we share the amazing work that Go Jauntly do. This is a walking App that has hundreds of FREE walks available for on their App. The really good thing is that you can not only choose the location and distance of your walk but see which ones are family friendly, dog friendly, rural or city based plus there are fun activities and games you can do along the way. Check our their 'Nature Notes' feature and the 'Green Care Code'. https://www.gojauntly.comSupport the show

Mother Nature: Connecting Children to Nature.

Mother Nature: Connecting Children to Nature.

Welcome to this episode examining the relationship between children and nature. Today we eavesdrop on some of our younger ParkBathers as they experience forest bathing in Crystal Palace park. We're also exploring our own experiences of nature from childhood – and how that relationship influences us and changes over time. We delve into the inevitable subject of how little children spend in nature and while we're not going to demonise screens and technology, we take a stark look at how damaging overuse of screens can be for children’s mental health, their sleep, mood and general wellbeing. (if you want some tips on managing your kid's tech time look up my interview with Dr Fintan Nagal from Series 1)Kirsten looks at the research suggesting that a connection to nature is our biological imprint - we have an affinity for the natural world. When children spend most of their time indoors, they miss out on that connection and become alienated from nature which triggers a host of issues, depression, obesity, and attention deficit disorder. Kids who have direct access to nature are better learners. Exposure to nature has been shown to reduce stress and increase attention spans. So, we're going to talk about the sense of awe and wonder being in nature evokes and show you exactly what happened when we took a group of teenagers on a forest bathing walk. You might be surprised at what we discovered - we were !So listen to Kirsten explain the science behind why children need to develop a relationship with nature from a young age and hear input from our guests this week, Rachel Massey, Ellen Devine, Gary Evans, Sage Fitzpatrick and Andy Shipley. Don't forget to check out our Bonus Episode with tips to engage your children (and your Big Kids) in fun, creative park-based activities including some fun walks courtesy of the free walking App Go Jauntly. LINKS:https://tfb.institutehttps://www.otherwaystowalk.co.ukhttps://www.forestryengland.ukhttps://www.natural-inclusion.orghttps://www.gojauntly.comSupport the show

ParkBathe: Coming to our Senses

ParkBathe: Coming to our Senses

Happy new year and welcome to this new episode investigating everything you need to know about our sensory system and how we see, hear and feel when we're out in nature...Forest bathing is simply walking mindfully in nature while absorbing the woodland atmosphere – but of course – it’s so much more than that, and we can't delve into the benefits of being in nature without talking about our incredible senses.Humans have five basic senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste and so we take a whistle top tour of each giving you fun facts, science and interviews. Did you know we can detect trillions of different scents and that scientist have found that leaves can tell us when they're dehydrated? But we often overlook our sensory system, which is why we're going to talk about how our attention gets hijacked, auto pilot, attentional fatigue and the science of attention restoration (which is the amazing way nature restores our senses) We also look at why stress affects vision, how hearing in a certain way can be a game-changer for some - and lots more !This week’s bonus track contains some really cool ways to use urban environments along with green spaces to boost creativity and open up your mind in a whole new way! so check that out. If you want to have a go at forest bathing yourself in the park check out our bonus audio guide, available in this series. LINKS:https://www.otherwaystowalk.co.ukhttps://www.streetwisdom.orghttps://tfb.institutehttps://www.natural-inclusion.orghttps://blogs.uoregon.edu/richardtaylor/https://hubermanlab.comWritten and produced by Vanessa Potter, editing by Melissa Green. Support the show

Senses BONUS: tips and ideas to stimulate your senses.

Senses BONUS: tips and ideas to stimulate your senses.

To accompany our episode on our sensory system here are some activities that you might like to try in your local green space, garden or in the streets where you live.We've talked a lot about fractals, these are the repeated geometric patterns which we find in nature, such as the veins on a leaf, the fronds of a fern, even snowflake on windows. Go out into nature and see if you can hunt down some of these patterns. You could make it a game with friends or family.We have lots of other ideas to boost your senses in fun, exciting and creative ways. There are also some great FREE sensory offerings from Andy Shipley, a nature facilitator who specialises in inclusion - check out the 'rhubarb' on his Sensory Odyssey Tour on his website (I'm not saying anymore !) We also have a sneak peek at the Street Wisdom Tune Up series, offering new ways to engage with and explore the streets where you live - so check out their website too.Join us next time where we'll be looking at how children and families engage with nature, and what we can learn from that. If you want to have a go at Forest Bathing yourself, try our FREE audio guide as part of this series. LINKS:http://natural-inclusion.orghttps://www.streetwisdom.orgSupport the show

ParkBathe: Geeking out on Trees. Why forests are SO good for us.

ParkBathe: Geeking out on Trees. Why forests are SO good for us.

Today on the ParkBathe podcast Kirsten and I are indulging in our tree-nerd alter-egos! I’ve always liked trees, but learning about forest bathing has given me a new respect for our tall friends. Forest Bathing is all about trees – as you walk mindfully in nature absorbing the atmosphere – it’s the trees that provide that atmosphere. Trees have a therapeutic and regenerative effect upon us humans - but it’s more than that, they are part of our ancestral heritage. Trees and plants provide shelter and food for wildlife, absorb carbon dioxide, give us breathable air, moderate temperatures, and lock-up water — reducing flooding. Themassive oaks in the Great North Wood in Crystal Palace Park look pretty cool too. Yet, while weknow nature is central to human life, we often disregard it — and somehow see it as secondary.. So, check out our weird and wonderful tree facts and hear about the groovy science from our expert interviewees on what trees do for us. We’ll hear how being in nature influences artist Emz Finch and boosts her creativity and the curious way in which trees communicate with each other. If you didn’t know trees talk to each other – we’re going to fill you in on how they do that — and some of the things they say! We'd love to hear what you think of this episode and if you tried out any of the 'tree tips' in the bonus episode (they're fun to do with kids and big kids!) There are lots of links below, along with helpful organisations as today we cover the topic of PTSD and miscarriage. Links Tree GuideWood Wide Web filmMarco Mencagli’s book the secret therapy of trees. Peter Wohlleben’s book the hidden life of trees Stefan BatorijsEmz FinchRachel Massey, Other Ways to WalkPTSD support Hospital studyFind Forestry England here: · Facebook· Twitter· YouTube· Pinterest· Instagram· Newsletter· BlogWritten and produced by Vanessa PotteSupport the show

Tree BONUS: Fun ways to learn about and engage with trees!

Tree BONUS: Fun ways to learn about and engage with trees!

This bonus track is jam-packed full of tree tips ! It's got great advice from both Ellen Devine from Forestry England and Karen Prices from the Westonbirt National Arboretum on how to start tree-spotting, but also fun, interactive exercises to try out when you're out in your local park. There's even a great mindful breathing exercise from guest artist Emily Finch that will help you start your day off with a positive glow, while sitting under a tree :) Support the show

ParkBathe: Nature's de-stress revolution

ParkBathe: Nature's de-stress revolution

Series 3 has arrived with a super exciting new citizen science health project called ParkBathe ! What is ParkBathe? Earlier this year I created a new health intervention based on Forest Bathing with Kirsten McEwan, a researcher at Derby University. Kirsten researches Forest Bathing (which is simply mindful walking in nature while absorbing the atmosphere) We combined Kirsten's knowledge of this Eastern social prescription with my own production and meditation advocacy work and created an urban park-based model that is accessible and easy for anyone to learn. We especially wanted to appeal to people who were sceptical of anything that appeared woo-woo or new age. Kirsten and I met when I interviewed her in series 1 (check out her insightful episode on compassion !) and ParkBathe has become a project we are both passionate about. We're grateful to be funded the National Lottery and to have support from the Upper Norwood Library Hub who helped us make this film. In this first episode we get into exactly what Forest bathing is — because just saying it's ‘mindful walking in nature’ doesn’t cut the mustard. I explain how losing my sight in 2012 led me to develop to a new relationship with the natural world and how walking in nature was an integral part of my recovery. It was that knowledge that informed this project. Nature benefits us in so many weird and wonderful ways — and we plan to reveal how it does that with the help of nature and forest bathing experts. I was delighted that world renowned scientists such Dr Qing Li and Dr Yoshifumi Miyazaki agreed to share both their research and wisdom on Forest Medicine with me. You'll also hear from some of the ‘ParkBathers’ who came on the walks Kirsten and I ran in Crystal Palace Park this autumn so you'll hear for yourself if 1 hour of slow, mindful walking did anything to alleviate their stress and anxiety...If you’d like to experiment with forest bathing for yourself — check out my FREE bonus audio guide that you can use in your local park. Useful links: Kirsten’s paper on UK Forest Bathing What is Shinrin Yoku? Dr Qing Li’s book Dr Mayazaki’s book Dr Yasu Kotera’s paper on Forest Bathing Forestry England INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKTWITTERLINKEDINWritten and produced by Vanessa Potter. SFX by Zapsplat. Support the show

ParkBathe BONUS: Make your own Reed Diffuser !

ParkBathe BONUS: Make your own Reed Diffuser !

If you'd like to bring the benefits of trees into your own home — ParkBathe can help ! This track provides instructions on how to make your own reed diffuser which you can place in rooms around your home — or give away as a present ! Reed diffusers are fun and easy to make . We'd LOVE to see what you create so do share with us on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter ! We'll be sharing the ones we make too :) Support the show

ParkBathe: The Science of Forest Bathing. Why it’s Not New-Age Nonsense.

ParkBathe: The Science of Forest Bathing. Why it’s Not New-Age Nonsense.

In episode 2 of the ParkBathe series we provide a comprehensive low-down of the mind-boggling science of forest bathing. Here we dive into why forest bathing (which is simply walking mindfully in nature while absorbing the woodland atmosphere) is really, really good for us. We offer practical and easy ways to bring nature’s benefits into your home — so check out the bonus episode !Kirsten McEwan and I started ParkBathe in March this year and have provided 1 hour guided forest bathing sessions in Crystal Palace Park to over 175 people as part of a citizen science initiative funded by the National Lottery. Today I talk to world renowned researchers in the field of forest medicine, Dr Qing Li from Tokyo's Nippon Medical School and Dr Yoshifumi Miyazaki from Chiba University. We look at how our bodies cope with modern-day stresses like work pressures or worries at home. We hear from Joanna Bristow-Watkins, a forest bathing guide, on how our nervous system regulates chronic stress and how forest bathing can decrease the amount of cortisol (the stress hormone) that our bodies secrete. We even get into the weird and wonderful world of natural killer cells and what these strange-sounding white blood cells do to combat cancer. We hear from Dr Yasu Kotera at Derby University and Stefan Batorjis, a Forest Bathing guide and trainer. Dr Kotera gives a useful understanding of how the East and West each view ‘medicine’ in quite different ways and he explains the common understanding within cross-cultural psychology that the eastern philosophy of medicine bases it (as claimed by many cross-cultural psychologists such as Nisbett e.g., in his book The Geography of Thought) in a more holistic, less directive manner. So, sit back, put your feet up and prepare to be blown away by how trees and plants provide beneficial chemicals that we breathe in and what positive impact this has upon our immune system. We promise, it’ll change the way you view your local green space. Useful links: Kirsten’s paper on UK Forest Bathing What is Shinrin Yoku? Dr Qing Li’s book Dr Mayazaki’s book Dr Yasu Kotera’s paper on Forest Bathing Joanna Bristow Watkins Forestry England LINK to ParkBathe FILMINSTAGRAMFACEBOOKTWITTERLINKEDINWritten and produced by Vanessa PotterSupport the show