About
Hi! I’m Nilam
I help adults and families embrace a deeper connection with nature and nurture their wellbeing. Whether you’re interested in forest bathing, nature study, nature-inspired arts and crafts, mindful walks, and the natural world overall, you’re in the right place! Let’s embrace the outdoors together!
I am accredited by the Complementary Medical Association in the UK as a Forest Therapy Practitioner and have certified up-to-date training in basic life support first aid.
What is forest therapy?
Forest therapy is a wellness framework that helps people improve their mental and physical health by connecting with nature and the natural world. Also known as shinrin-yoku in Japan where the practice started, forest therapy is an immersive experience where people are guided on making their way through a natural space like a forest or woods in a slow, international manner, focusing on all of the senses.
In a busy world where we are all rushing around, forest therapy invites us to slow down and to reconnect with the natural world, and through that, with ourselves. And in doing so, we get to experience the numerous benefits of forest therapy including:
- Increased creativity: Forest therapy helps us recharge and escape the constant whir of activity in our minds. We tap into our left hemisphere and think more creatively when we have the space to do so.
- Lowering cancer risks: Being in a forest setting helps increase the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and anti-cancer proteins.
- Improving your physical health and mitigating against common ailments: Those with diabetes and high blood pressure have shown improvement after forest therapy.
- Lowers cortisol levels: Forest therapy can help those suffering from stress and anxiety.
What is nature study?
Nature study is just that, studying nature. Carefully and with focus and intent, observing and learning from the natural world around us.
John Muir said, “One day’s exposure to mountains is better than a cartload of books.”
Charlotte Mason was a British educator who believed education was a discipline and a way of life, rather than a means to getting into a good university, to employment or to money. She promoted a liberal curriculum that included poetry, music, literature, and yes, nature study.
But nature study should not be limited to children. It should be encouraged for everyone: tots, teenagers, adults, and families.
There is no right way to do nature study and there is no special knowledge or equipment that you need. You can be in your garden, a local park, a forest, the beach, anywhere that is close and accessible for you.
The benefits of nature study are similar to those of forest therapy, including slowing down, cultivating patience, encouraging curiosity and creativity, developing an appreciation for the natural world and eco-consciousness, developing resilience and managing stress and difficult emotions.
