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The Science of Stepping Outside: How Nature Restores Calm & Focus
The Science of Stepping Outside: How Nature Restores Calm & Focus
The secrets of forest bathing revealed.
Guest: Susanne Meis (Forest Bathing / Shinrin-yoku guide; leads the guide team at Kew Gardens)
Episode Summary:
What if the fastest way to feel calmer, clearer and more energised was… free and right outside your door? This week, Sally and Anne are joined by Suzanne, a forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) guide, to explore what forest bathing really is (hint: it’s not just a walk in the woods). Suzanne shares the science-backed benefits of being with nature—how it helps shift you out of fight-or-flight and into rest-and-digest—plus simple practices you can try in just 10–15 minutes.
- Sally’s quick grounding reset (5 minutes on the grass!)
- What forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) actually means
- Why modern life keeps us stuck in fight-or-flight
- How nature supports the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest)
- Why “being with nature” is different from exercising in nature
- Phone-free time outdoors (and why one glance can break the reset)
- The “soft fascination” effect that restores focus and mental energy
- Tree compounds (phytoncides) and immune support (as discussed)
- Simple, practical ways to start forest bathing anywhere
- Suzanne’s powerful 1% tip: focus on beauty
Set a timer for 10 minutes. Go outside (garden, park, or street with trees). Put your phone on silent/flight mode. Walk slowly and notice:
- one sound
- one colour
- one texture or movement
- Ask yourself: How do I feel now compared to 10 minutes ago?
- Sensory walk: slow down, no destination, open your senses
- Tree / fractal tracing: follow a tree’s branches slowly with your eyes
- Fingertip tracing: gently trace fingertips along your forearm/hand to anchor calm
- Morning light practice: step outside early, orient toward daylight, breathe and visualise light “flooding” the body (as described)
- Richard Louv — Last Child in the Woods (nature deficit disorder concept)
- Dr. Jacob Lieberman — Light: Medicine of the Future; Take Off Your Glasses and See
- Suzanne also references Luminous Life as a favourite
- Forest bathing events via the Kew Gardens website
- Website: meetinnature.com
- Free resource mentioned: Natural Energy Insider Guide (on her website)
- “Forest bathing isn’t just being in nature—it’s being with nature.”
- “Nature is the therapist. I’m not the therapist.”
- “Focus on beauty—it lifts you out of fear and expands you.”
Join the 1% Happier & Healthier Community
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others making positive changes? Join our private 1% Happier & Healthier Facebook
Community for encouragement, tips, and real talk.
📩 Email us at hello@1percentandhealthier.co.uk to request an invite!
🎧 Thanks for Listening!
If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review – it helps others discover the show and join the 1% movement!
A big thank you to Pixabay for providing our intro and outro
music, "Inspirational Background" by AudioCoffee.
Ann & Sally
xx
Stay Connected with Us
Follow us on Instagram: @happierandhealthier__
Have questions or want to join our Facebook community? Reach out
to us at hello@1percenthappierandhealthier.co.uk
Connect with Susanne Meis to find out more.
Forest Bathing at Kew Gardens
Instagram tfb_institute
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4. What happens when you stop drinking?
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