This event is suitable for people 18 years old and above.

Activity: Forest Bathing Session 3 led by Maya Waystowellbeing2

Registration location: At the Thames21 marquee by the River Ravensbourne, Beckenham Place Park (BPP) East What3Words.com/Lower.Divide.Pots

Forest bathing is a great way to unwind and slow down from the fast pace of life and scientific research shows that it can have a host of health benefits for our mental and physical well-being, e.g. it can: reduce stress and anxiety, boost our mood, improve immune system function and sleep and regulate blood pressure and blood sugar.

Thames21 is delighted to introduce you to Maya.

My name is Maya, a qualified and experienced guide and I run Forest Bathing sessions that help people relax and de-stress.

The sessions involve a gentle walk beside the river, stopping to do some mindfulness-based practices (using our senses) - designed to calm our body and mind and to connect with the healing power of nature (so no swimwear needed!) The session ends with a peaceful guided relaxation (laying or sitting down among the trees). They are a great way to boost your wellbeing at a weekend and have proved popular with people since they started in the park over a year ago.  

If you would like to book this session please also complete this short online registration form, so that Maya, your guide, can meet people's health & mobility needs .

 What to wear: 

• Closed footwear with good grip (ideally waterproof and with ankle support)
• Some extra layers of/warm clothing as it's cooler in the woods, we walk slowly and stop often, including the relaxation, so our body temperature drops
• As activities involve our sense of smell, please do not wear strongly perfumed cosmetics/perfumes- as they can stop us from tuning in to more subtle natural scents. 

 What to bring: (ideally in a backpack to leave your hands free to explore): 

• A picnic rug/ mat/plastic bag for the relaxation sitting/laying on the ground NB not needed if in a wheelchair/mobility scooter
• Any necessary/regular medication (e.g. for hay fever, asthma, diabetes). 
• Sunscreen &/or a hat (if sunny/hazy)
• Waterproof clothing/umbrella (if rain is forecast)
• Water/something to drink and a snack if required 
• Hand sanitiser, tissues (optional as I will have some)
• Insect repellent (optional) 

Weather

Forest bathing is an all-weather activity.  We only cancel a session if there is strong wind/gusts or thunderstorms forecast or heavy rain for all the session. We will give you as much notice as we can if we do have to cancel and can transfer your tickets to another session.

People have reported a range of benefits after attending a session:

• "More content and centered than I’ve felt in a very long time. Far more in control to decide where to spend my attention". Oli Steadman
• "I felt very relaxed and calm with a real feeling of well-being" Marie White "I felt like a knot has been released inside me" Marta Kaliszewska
• "I gained a sense of inner peace ... It was a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and truly appreciate the beauty of the natural world. I also learned some valuable techniques for mindfulness and stress reduction". Fernanda Kyle
• "I felt very at peace after the session. I had a feeling of timelessness which helped put my current stresses and anxieties into perspective". "Helen
• "I was in a state of tranquility for a few days" Jacqueline "I felt lighter,more contemplative & nature-connected ..even a couple of days later "
• "I took my blood pressure after the session and it was the best reading I had the last few weeks, I think the forest bathing lowered my blood pressure".
• "Felt like my shoulders had dropped several inches". "The relaxation reset my headspace".

This free activity is part of the River Ravensbourne Festival in BPP East.