Forest Bathing

In Today's Email:

• The Ancient Japanese Art of 'Forest Bathing': A Scientific Solution to Modern Anxiety

• Crystal of the day: Discover below…

• Yogapedia: Today’s pose of the day...

IMAGE OF THE DAY

LEARN TODAY:
The Ancient Japanese Art of 'Forest Bathing': A Scientific Solution to Modern Anxiety

Picture this: You're having one of those days. Your phone won't stop buzzing, your to-do list keeps growing, and your stress levels are through the roof. Now imagine if the solution to your anxiety was as simple as taking a walk in the woods. Spoiler alert: It is!

Welcome to the world of "forest bathing," or as the Japanese call it, "shinrin-yoku." Don't worry – no actual bathing required. Just you, some trees, and a little bit of magic (okay, science).

What's Forest Bathing? (Hint: It's Not Just a Fancy Nature Walk)

Forest bathing is like a mindfulness meditation session with trees as your guides. Unlike hiking, where reaching a destination is the goal, forest bathing is all about slowing down and soaking in the forest atmosphere through your senses. Think of it as a spa day, but instead of cucumber slices on your eyes, you've got pine needles beneath your feet.

The Science Behind the Magic

Here's where it gets really interesting. Scientists in Japan discovered that trees release compounds called phytoncides – their natural defense against insects and bacteria. When we breathe these in, our bodies respond by boosting our NK (Natural Killer) cells, which help fight off stress and illness. It's like getting a natural immunity boost while taking the chillest walk of your life.

Studies have found that just two hours of forest bathing can:

• Lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels by 12.4%

• Decrease blood pressure

• Improve sleep quality

• Boost mood and creativity

• Reduce anxiety symptoms

How to Forest Bathe Like a Pro (Without Actually Trying Too Hard)

1. Find Your Spot: Any wooded area will do – from a national park to your local green space. No ancient Japanese forest required!

2. Ditch the Tech: Sorry, Instagram – this one's not for the grid. Leave your phone behind (or at least on silent in your pocket).

3. Engage Your Senses:

   • Listen to the leaves rustling (nature's ASMR)

   • Feel the bark's texture (tree-hugging optional but encouraged)

   • Smell the earthy aromas (free aromatherapy!)

   • Look at the play of light through the canopy (better than any meditation app)

4. Take Your Time: Spend at least 20 minutes, but ideally two hours if you can. The trees aren't going anywhere!

But What If I Live in a Concrete Jungle?

No forest nearby? No problem! Research shows that even small doses of nature can help:

• Visit a local park

• Create a mini indoor forest with houseplants

• Use pine essential oils

• Watch nature documentaries (in a pinch)

The Bottom Line

In a world where anxiety seems to be our constant companion, forest bathing offers a simple, scientific, and slightly magical solution. It's free, has zero side effects (unless you count happiness as a side effect), and doesn't require a prescription.

So next time you're feeling overwhelmed, skip the doomscrolling and head for the trees. Your anxiety – and your NK cells – will thank you.

Remember: The best thing about forest bathing is that you can't do it wrong. Unless you're actually trying to take a bath in the forest. Please don't do that.

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CRYSTAL OF THE DAY

POSITIVE NEWS OF THE DAY

The NHS announced a ‘landmark’ trial of AI breast cancer screening

NHS England will trial a tech-driven overhaul of breast cancer screening – with a little help from EDITH.

It stands for Early Detection using Information Technology in Health and involves trialling artificial intelligence to help radiologists spot changes in breast tissue that might indicate cancer.

The £11m initiative is the world’s biggest to date and will involve two-thirds of around 700,000 mammograms being analysed by the AI model over the next few years.

If successful, it could ultimately mean each mammogram would be scrutinised by just one specialist – plus EDITH – instead of the current two, freeing up doctors for other work and cutting waiting lists.

The Department of Health Social Care (DHSC) chose World Cancer Day on Tuesday to make the announcement.

Professor Lucy Chappell, chief scientific adviser at the DHSC and also CEO of the National Institute for Health and Care Research, said: “This landmark trial could lead to a significant step forward in the early detection of breast cancer, offering women faster, more accurate diagnoses when it matters most.”

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YOGAPEDIA
Bharadvaja’s Twist (Bharadvajasana)

What is Bharadvaja’s Twist?

Bharadvaja's twist, or Bharadvajasana in Sanskrit, is a challenging seated twist that improves spinal flexibility. There are several variations of the pose. In the most basic, the legs are folded to one side and the torso is rotated in the opposite direction. The outside arm reaches behind the back to clasp the other arm.

Instructions

• From thunderbolt pose, shift the hips to the right.

• Rest the right foot on the arch of the left. Tuck the left hand under the right thigh.

• Exhale and twist to the right.

• Reach the right arm behind and grasp the left arm.

• Breathe while holding the pose.

MEME