There’s a time and a place to indulge in new activities, and the pandemic has opened up the great outdoors for me. I spent many a happy weekend delving into the my local woodland, soaking up the trees and nature.

Contrary to what the name might suggest, forest bathing is nothing to do with stripping off in the woods. In fact, no water is involved at all. It is based on the ancient Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which literally translates as forest bath. The bathing aspect originates from the act of bathing in your surroundings, and is specific to nature.

If you’ve ever considered the health benefits of being outdoors, have a gander at the powers of Forest Bathing which I wrote for IntoviewMagazine.