Forest bathing offers a multitude of benefits for overall well-being. By immersing yourself in nature, you can reduce stress levels, boost mood, enhance mental clarity, and improve immune system function. It provides an opportunity to disconnect from the demands of daily life, reconnect with the natural world, and cultivate a sense of peace and tranquility. Forest bathing can be particularly beneficial for those coping with the impact of alcoholism or addiction, as it offers a healing space for reflection, rejuvenation, and finding solace amidst nature’s embrace.

No. You can join a remote session from any place where you can be safe,  comfortable and undisturbed during the session. Any natural space will work, in a local park,  from a footpath, your garden or yard, patio or balcony, even sitting by a window will be fine.

You will need a fully charged device (PC, tablet, phone) and reliable internet  access. Apart from that, you will need to dress appropriately for whatever the weather  conditions are in your area. Being prepared with extra layers will be helpful as you won’t be  moving around very much and will feel the cold more easily. You may also want something to  sit on like a sit mat, yoga mat, cushion, blanket or jacket. Depending on the weather, you may  want bug repellent, sunblock, waterproof jacket, boots. Finally, having water and even a  small snack may be helpful.

The session lasts for 45 minutes, including a short Q & A session near the end.

Although you will need to remain connected to the call, you won’t need to  actively use your device during the individual nature connection activities. Simply join the call  from your chosen space. Keep your volume on so you can hear Gina guide you and turn off  your mic so the sounds around you don’t disturb anyone else’s experience.

Once everyone has gathered on the virtual call, I will introduce the session and  explain how to participate before guiding everyone through the series of nature connection activities. On your own, you will use the natural environment you are in to experience and  connect with nature in different ways. At times I may invite you to share your experience by answering a prompt. No participant is required to share and can pass if they do not want to.  Those who want to share will be asked to be brief. Some sessions may include a writing or  nature art activity at the end. If this is the case, you will be provided with instructions on how  to prepare/what to bring for this activity.

For the most part, a virtual/remote forest bathing session can have the same effects as an in person session. This largely depends on where you  are when you join the session and how much exposure your space offers to the same  beneficial properties as a woodland space, like flora and fauna, air quality, natural forest  sounds, etc. However, the act of doing these activities sitting by a window with a houseplant  can have similar restorative effects as being in an ancient forest.