Forest Therapy has arrived at Deakin – try it for free!
Great news: a Forest Therapy trail is soon to open at our Waurn Ponds campus!
The trail is the first purpose-built Forest Therapy trail on a university campus in the world and has been made possible via a novel, interdisciplinary collaboration within Deakin (comprising the schools of Psychology, Architecture and Built Environment, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, and Health and Social Development; plus the Sustainability and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion teams) and supported by the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).
We now want to offer Geelong students (Waurn Ponds and Waterfront) the opportunity to take part in a Forest Therapy session along the Forest Therapy trail!
What is Forest Therapy about?
Originating from Japan, where it is known as Shinrin-yoku (Japanese for ‘forest bathing’ or ‘immersion in the forest’), Forest Therapy is a public health practice that involves mindful immersion in nature, using all five senses.
Among its many outcomes, it has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and increase relaxation. Forest Therapy is being offered in a range of nature settings including the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, where Forest Therapy sessions are regularly booked out weeks ahead.
Want to try it?
In a project led by School of Psychology, you will be able to attend a Forest Therapy session at no cost at the Waurn Ponds Campus.
We want you to explore the benefits of Forest Therapy for your wellbeing first-hand, and understand your views and perspectives on the delivery of Forest Therapy on campus.
If you are a current student at Waurn Ponds or Waterfront and aged 18 years or over, you are eligible to take part.
Find more information and register for your free session here!
This Forest Therapy research project and wellbeing offering for students is included in Deakin’s Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023–2025. For more information please email [email protected].