Forest bathing and ecotherapy

Nature-inspired practices and products to chill us out and keep us healthy.

IN a nutshell Happy Monday, friends! The weather near me will be in the 80s this weekend, so I'll be (sweating and) scoring some ecotherapy in the great outdoors. Although my city offers scenic views of waterfalls and mountains, I often wish I lived near the woods so I could enjoy the Japanese practice of forest bathing. More on this topic below. In today's nature-themed newsletter, we're digging up topics like: • a three-tier raised garden bed • how to grow your own food without a yard • can gardening lower your risk of chronic disease? • the worst plants for allergies Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota April 17, 2023 • 4 min read

what's got us buzzing Take a walk through the woods with us … What is forest bathing? The Japanese tradition (Shinrin-yoku) of spending time in forests while mindfully using all five senses to connect with nature. Why should you care? Research over the years has found that forest bathing can significantly reduce stress, cortisol levels, and depression symptoms. A 2017 Harvard study suggests that this practice can also prevent disease and promote better overall health. But more studies are needed to determine its full effects. You don't live near a forest. Now what? Whether or not you have forest access, you can reap the healing power of nature. More accessible green spaces can work just as well. Some experts say that similar effects may be reached through mindful meditation or "escaping" everyday life and entering a more soothing space void of potentially stressful obligations. The placebo effect of thinking about being in nature could help, too. Other types of ecotherapy: Consider community gardening and farming, park prescriptions, animal-assisted therapy, or outdoor meditation and yoga. To learn more: Can "forest bathing" reduce stress levels? Ecotherapy: Types, benefits, and DIY tips

great finds Editor faves with health perks       Costway 3-Tier Raised Garden Bed This beautiful, freestanding solid fir wood garden bed is adjustable, so you can place plants, flowers, and herbs in it wherever you'd like. The design allows for easy watering, lighting, and ventilation, too. Don't want to put plants in it? Use it as a shelf instead! Shop Now Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.

Monday Kick Start No yard? No problem. Grow your own food indoors If you haven't been gardening because you believe you need land, we have exciting news for you. As long as you've got energy, patience, and bright windows, you can start growing your own food indoors! Here are some strategies to consider trying: • Place planters on your deck, porch, or roof: Check with your housing association first to ensure you're allowed to do this. If so, you can grow crops that thrive in high sunlight, like basil, thyme, peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes. • Use window boxes: Plant your seeds and let the sun work its magic. Research which varieties do well in your local sun levels, and manage water levels accordingly. • Grow food hydroponically: Skip the soil and use hydroponic (water) garden kits. Common plants for these systems include strawberries, herbs, and dwarf tomatoes and peppers. • Take advantage of a sunny windowsill: Certain herbs and veggies may be able to bask and thrive in your window's light. Grow lights can also help. Just try to avoid placing plants near air and heat vents. • Join a community garden: Some cities offer land to individuals who don't have their own. Try finding one in your area by searching for "community gardens near me" online.

Health Hype True or false: Tending to an outdoor garden can reduce your cancer risk. (Find the answer at the end of this email)

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Health Hype Answer True or false: Tending to an outdoor garden can reduce your cancer risk. True! A nice dose of sunshine and physical activity in a garden can do your body good. Research shows that gardening can help reduce your risk of cancer, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. However, remember to wear sunscreen to help protect against skin cancer from sun overexposure. Learn more about how gardening can fight disease.

Thanks for reading! Your homework this weekend is to spend time in nature or envision yourself walking through a forest. Enjoy, and we'll see you again on Monday.

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by fresh air and scenic views.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001