‘ WALKING CURE

IFOREST BATHING, NORTH LONDON

need green. Born in Yorkshire but living in London, a monthly immersion in the countryside is essential for my wellbeing. But single parenting, running my own business and attempting a social life means I rarely keep that date. Inserting some stress relief into my life by way of some local shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is an obvious win. Made popular in 1980s Japan, it has well-researched benefits, says north London psychotherapist Claire de Boursac, listing reduced cortisol, blood pressure and anxiety, improved empathy and creativity, and a better immune system. Joining one of her group sessions, I instantly trust her understanding of the cognitive process and her ability to connect me with my inner wood sprite. Claire begins by offering a series of “invitations” – exercises to sharpen hearing, vision, touch and smell. I inhale deeply, mentally caressing the earth and trees, and bar the odd dog bouncing up to say hello, the slowing down feels transformative, though my busy brain frets about not being mindful enough. The final invitation is to connect with a tree. It feels rude to abandon the scrappy one I’ve been leaning on, so I find the best in its uneven branches, thinking how it might weather a storm better than the more solid trunks around. At the end of the session, I feel calm and clear, ready to hop on the Tube, with a mental note to return soon and quit worrying about not being the most perfect tree in the wood.’ LISA HELMANIS