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Try a spot of ‘treelaxation’

You’ve probably heard of forest bathing – the mindful practice of soaking up a forest atmosphere to boost health and wellbeing. It’s linked to lower stress levels, better sleep, improved immunity and even reduced blood pressure. The best part? You don’t need to spend half a day wandering deep in the woods to reap the rewards. Research now shows that just 20 minutes of ‘treelaxation’ – time spent around trees – is enough to trigger the brain’s ‘soft fascination’ mode. This gentle mental state helps us switch off and reset. That could mean sitting on a bench under a leafy canopy in your garden or local park, or simply strolling down a tree-lined street. Just remember to put your phone away so you can tune in to the sounds, sights and scents of nature. To find out more, read The Healing Power of Trees by Olga Terebenina and Gary Evans (£20, HB, Leaping Hare Press).

RAISE A GLASS