Uni turns to nature to ease student stress
In a world first, Deakin University is launching a forest therapy trial at its Waurn Ponds campus.
Professor Melissa O’Shea, who headed the project, said forest therapy (FT) was a preventive health practice originating in Japan.
“We are in midst of a first pilot research project trying to assess the effectiveness of reducing the stress levels of students (using FT),” she said.
“A world first for a university … (and a) wellbeing experience for our campus community.”
The trial is a collaboration between Deakin and International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance.
The project includes FT sessions led by alliance president Susan Joachim in and around Deakin’s wetlands.
Prof O’Shea said the practice included a range of nature-based interventions.
“Such as mindfulness and gentle movement that can be engaged in via a selfguided walk, or guided by a forest therapy guide,” she said. “The (FT) trail encourages our students and staff to walk slowly and with intention in natural spaces and to take in nature with all the senses.”
Prof O’Shea said there had been a rise in levels of stress and poor mental health among university students worldwide and Deakin had created the project to support students.
She said the wider community could also use the space on weekends to enjoy the benefits of FT.