{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/676997f240480c1d9584e7a5/68a01a60436325e278d57c25?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"The Science of Stepping Outside: How Nature Restores Calm & Focus","description":"<p><strong>The Science of Stepping Outside: How Nature Restores Calm &amp; Focus</strong></p><p><strong>The secrets of forest bathing revealed. </strong></p><p><strong>Guest:</strong>&nbsp;Susanne Meis (Forest Bathing / Shinrin-yoku guide; leads the guide team at Kew Gardens)</p><p><strong>Episode Summary:</strong></p><p>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&nbsp;<em>with</em>&nbsp;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.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><h3>In This Episode, We Cover:</h3><ul><li>Sally’s quick grounding reset (5 minutes on the grass!)</li><li>What&nbsp;<strong>forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku)</strong>&nbsp;actually means</li><li>Why modern life keeps us stuck in&nbsp;<strong>fight-or-flight</strong></li><li>How nature supports the&nbsp;<strong>parasympathetic nervous system</strong>&nbsp;(rest-and-digest)</li><li>Why “being with nature” is different from exercising&nbsp;<em>in</em>&nbsp;nature</li><li><strong>Phone-free</strong>&nbsp;time outdoors (and why one glance can break the reset)</li><li>The “soft fascination” effect that restores focus and mental energy</li><li>Tree compounds (<strong>phytoncides</strong>) and immune support (as discussed)</li><li>Simple, practical ways to start forest bathing anywhere</li><li>Suzanne’s powerful 1% tip:&nbsp;<strong>focus on beauty</strong></li></ul><h3>Try This: Your 1% Happier &amp; Healthier Action</h3><p>Set a timer for&nbsp;<strong>10 minutes</strong>. Go outside (garden, park, or street with trees). Put your phone on&nbsp;<strong>silent/flight mode</strong>. Walk slowly and notice:</p><ul><li>one sound</li><li>one colour</li><li>one texture or movement</li><li>Ask yourself:&nbsp;<em>How do I feel now compared to 10 minutes ago?</em></li></ul><h3>Practical Exercises Mentioned:</h3><ul><li><strong>Sensory walk:</strong>&nbsp;slow down, no destination, open your senses</li><li><strong>Tree / fractal tracing:</strong>&nbsp;follow a tree’s branches slowly with your eyes</li><li><strong>Fingertip tracing:</strong>&nbsp;gently trace fingertips along your forearm/hand to anchor calm</li><li><strong>Morning light practice:</strong>&nbsp;step outside early, orient toward daylight, breathe and visualise light “flooding” the body (as described)</li></ul><h3>Resources Mentioned:</h3><ul><li><strong>Richard Louv</strong>&nbsp;—&nbsp;<em>Last Child in the Woods</em>&nbsp;(nature deficit disorder concept)</li><li><strong>Dr. Jacob Lieberman</strong>&nbsp;—&nbsp;<em>Light: Medicine of the Future</em>;&nbsp;<em>Take Off Your Glasses and See</em></li><li>Suzanne also references&nbsp;<em>Luminous Life</em>&nbsp;as a favourite</li></ul><h3>Connect with Susanne:</h3><ul><li>Forest bathing events via the&nbsp;<strong>Kew Gardens website</strong></li><li>Website:&nbsp;<strong>meetinnature.com</strong></li><li>Free resource mentioned:&nbsp;<strong>Natural Energy Insider Guide</strong>&nbsp;(on her website)</li></ul><h3>Quotes to Remember:</h3><ul><li>“Forest bathing isn’t just being in nature—it’s being&nbsp;<strong>with</strong>&nbsp;nature.”</li><li>“Nature is the therapist. I’m not the therapist.”</li><li>“Focus on&nbsp;<strong>beauty</strong>—it lifts you out of fear and expands you.”</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Join the 1% Happier &amp; Healthier Community</strong></p><p>On a similar journey? Want to share your story and connect with</p><p>others making positive changes? Join our private 1<em>% Happier &amp; Healthier</em>&nbsp;Facebook</p><p>Community for encouragement, tips, and real talk.</p><p>📩 Email us at&nbsp;hello@1percentandhealthier.co.uk&nbsp;to request an invite!</p><p><br></p><p>🎧 Thanks for Listening!</p><p>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!</p><p><br></p><p>A big thank you to Pixabay for providing our intro and outro</p><p>music, \"Inspirational Background\" by AudioCoffee.</p><p><br></p><p>Ann &amp; Sally</p><p>xx</p><p><br></p><p>Stay Connected with Us</p><p>Follow us on Instagram:&nbsp;@happierandhealthier__</p><p>Have questions or want to join our Facebook community? Reach out</p><p>to us at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:hello@1percentandhealthier.co.uk\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">hello@1percenthappierandhealthier.co.uk</a></p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Susanne Meis to find out more. </p><p>Forest Bathing at Kew Gardens </p><p>Instagram tfb_institute</p>","author_name":"Ann & Sally"}