Join ‘Nature and Forest Therapy Guide’ Heather for nature themed activities. These sensory based mindfulness sessions, including walks, hikes and forest bathing, were developed to enhance your well-being, improve health and increase sense of connectedness. Spending time in nature has been shown by research to:
• improve mood, sleep, confidence, self-esteem, cognitive functioning, and immune functioning
• increase patience, life satisfaction and motivation
• reduce symptoms associated with ADHD, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and addiction

Groups include:
• Forest Bathing – an hour of play in the woods. Forest Bathing is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in nature to promote the well-being of both people and the land. Inspired by Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of “Forest Bathing”, combining the sensory-based exploration of Nature and Forest Therapy. Come get grounded in the forest with a 1.5km mindful walk.

• Health Hikes- Interested in hiking but don’t know where to start? Join us for Hiking 101 – an introduction into walking in the woods completing a 3km hike together! We will discuss trail safety and ways to keep safe in the forest while we bird-watch and explore the beautiful conservation area beside campus. This is a great opportunity for both seasoned trailblazers and students who grew up in more urban settings new to exploring the forest! Join the Campus Health and Wellness Centre for a health hike to support academic success!

• Wonder Walks – a 2km walk to spark curiosity and feel awe in the forest. Research as shown awe can calm our nervous system, reduce stress, quiet our inner critic and improve psychological well-being- plus it can give us a greater life satisfaction. We’ll take some fun photos and learn some cool nature facts while intentionally exploring for awe.

Groups take place at Oshawa Campus and are open to all DC Students! Check out the registration link for more details: https://forms.office.com/r/3B9PNiY6cQ

Combining the therapeutic principles of nature + physical movement this is a great opportunity to feel stronger, have more energy, reduce stress, and improve sleep! Come play and get natured!