#forestbathing — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #forestbathing, aggregated by home.social.
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Out for a early morning hike..so serene ❤️ #nakedhiking #nakedramble #naturist #naturism #naturalhumanbodies #naked #nude #forestbathing #absolutelynormal #nonsexualnudity #stressbeating
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Another sunny start another forest visit ❤️
#clothesfreeliving #naturist #naturism #naturalhumanbodies #naked #nude #forestbathing #absolutelynormal #nonsexualnudity #stressbeating -
This Week at Dorothea Dix Park August 10–16th Edition
Dorothea Dix Park has a full schedule of outdoor fitness, family activities, live music and wellness programs planned for August 10–16, 2026.
Visitors can practice yoga on Harvey Hill, join a photography walk, test their knowledge during outdoor trivia or slow down with a guided forest-bathing experience. Families can also explore playful math activities and attend a Raleigh public library pop-up.
Here is what’s happening this week at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh.
Monday, August 10
Yoga in the Park
Begin the week with an outdoor yoga session on Harvey Hill. Yoga in the Park offers participants an opportunity to stretch, breathe and flow while enjoying views of the Raleigh skyline.
- Time: 6–7 p.m.
- Location: Harvey Hill
- Activity: Outdoor yoga
Participants should bring a yoga mat, water and comfortable clothing.
Tuesday, August 11
Pilates in the Park
Strengthen your core and improve flexibility during Pilates in the Park at Flowers Field. The 45-minute outdoor class welcomes participants for an evening workout in one of Raleigh’s largest public parks.
- Time: 6–6:45 p.m.
- Location: Flowers Field
- Activity: Outdoor Pilates
Bring an exercise mat, water and any personal equipment recommended by the instructor.
Wednesday, August 12
Math Makers
Math Makers gives children an opportunity to explore numbers, patterns and problem-solving through playful, hands-on activities.
The family-focused program is designed to make mathematical concepts engaging and approachable for young learners.
- Time: 10 a.m.–noon
- Location: The Chapel
- Activity: Children’s educational program
Thursday, August 13
Public Library Pop-Up
The Public Library Pop-Up brings family-focused books, literacy activities and story time to the House of Many Porches Market.
Families can browse available books and enjoy a relaxed morning of reading and learning at the park.
- Time: 10 a.m.–noon
- Location: House of Many Porches Market
- Activity: Books and family story time
Friday, August 14
Trivia Night
Gather a team and test your knowledge during an open-air trivia experience at the House of Many Porches Market.
Trivia Night offers a casual way to spend Friday evening with friends while enjoying the park’s outdoor atmosphere.
- Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- Location: House of Many Porches Market
- Activity: Outdoor trivia
Saturday, August 15
Photography Walk
Explore Dorothea Dix Park through the lens of a camera during this guided Photography Walk.
Participants can practice composition, lighting and creative observation while capturing the park’s landscapes, architecture and seasonal beauty. Camera phones are welcome.
- Time: 9:30 a.m.–noon
- Meeting location: Stone Houses Visitor Center
- Activity: Guided photography walk
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera or fully charged smartphone.
Music in the Market
Enjoy an afternoon of live tunes at the House of Many Porches Market. Music in the Market brings performers and visitors together for a relaxed Saturday at Dix Park.
- Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Location: House of Many Porches Market
- Activity: Live music
Visitors can stop by following the Photography Walk or make the concert experience the centerpiece of their Saturday plans.
Sunday, August 16
Forest Bathing
Close the week with a guided nature and wellness experience near Flowers Cottage.
Forest bathing encourages participants to slow down and connect with their surroundings through quiet observation and mindful interaction with nature. The practice is focused on relaxation rather than strenuous hiking.
- Time: 1–3 p.m.
- Location: Flowers Cottage
- Activity: Guided nature and wellness walk
Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, water and sun protection are recommended.
Plan Your Week at Dix Park
This week’s Dorothea Dix Park calendar offers activities for different ages and interests. Fitness enthusiasts can try yoga or Pilates, families can explore math and reading, and weekend visitors can enjoy photography, live music and nature-based wellness.
Registration may be required for some programs. Events can also be affected by weather, so confirm details and availability through the official Dorothea Dix Park calendar before visiting.
Dorothea Dix Park is located at 1030 Richardson Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Follow DoRaleigh.com for everything Raleigh, including free activities, concerts, family events and weekly park guides.
Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin
Share With Us: Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page.
Advertise With Us: Interested in Advertising click here.Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |
#August2026Events #DixParkEvents #DoRaleigh #DorotheaDixPark #DorotheaDixParkEventGuide #events #familyEventsInRaleigh #ForestBathing #FreeRaleighEvents #MathMakers #MusicInTheMarket #News #PhotographyWalk #PilatesInThePark #RaleighEvents #RaleighLibraryEvents #RaleighParks #thingsToDoInRaleigh #TriviaNightRaleigh #YogaInThePark -
This Week at Dorothea Dix Park August 10–16th Edition
Dorothea Dix Park has a full schedule of outdoor fitness, family activities, live music and wellness programs planned for August 10–16, 2026.
Visitors can practice yoga on Harvey Hill, join a photography walk, test their knowledge during outdoor trivia or slow down with a guided forest-bathing experience. Families can also explore playful math activities and attend a Raleigh public library pop-up.
Here is what’s happening this week at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh.
Monday, August 10
Yoga in the Park
Begin the week with an outdoor yoga session on Harvey Hill. Yoga in the Park offers participants an opportunity to stretch, breathe and flow while enjoying views of the Raleigh skyline.
- Time: 6–7 p.m.
- Location: Harvey Hill
- Activity: Outdoor yoga
Participants should bring a yoga mat, water and comfortable clothing.
Tuesday, August 11
Pilates in the Park
Strengthen your core and improve flexibility during Pilates in the Park at Flowers Field. The 45-minute outdoor class welcomes participants for an evening workout in one of Raleigh’s largest public parks.
- Time: 6–6:45 p.m.
- Location: Flowers Field
- Activity: Outdoor Pilates
Bring an exercise mat, water and any personal equipment recommended by the instructor.
Wednesday, August 12
Math Makers
Math Makers gives children an opportunity to explore numbers, patterns and problem-solving through playful, hands-on activities.
The family-focused program is designed to make mathematical concepts engaging and approachable for young learners.
- Time: 10 a.m.–noon
- Location: The Chapel
- Activity: Children’s educational program
Thursday, August 13
Public Library Pop-Up
The Public Library Pop-Up brings family-focused books, literacy activities and story time to the House of Many Porches Market.
Families can browse available books and enjoy a relaxed morning of reading and learning at the park.
- Time: 10 a.m.–noon
- Location: House of Many Porches Market
- Activity: Books and family story time
Friday, August 14
Trivia Night
Gather a team and test your knowledge during an open-air trivia experience at the House of Many Porches Market.
Trivia Night offers a casual way to spend Friday evening with friends while enjoying the park’s outdoor atmosphere.
- Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- Location: House of Many Porches Market
- Activity: Outdoor trivia
Saturday, August 15
Photography Walk
Explore Dorothea Dix Park through the lens of a camera during this guided Photography Walk.
Participants can practice composition, lighting and creative observation while capturing the park’s landscapes, architecture and seasonal beauty. Camera phones are welcome.
- Time: 9:30 a.m.–noon
- Meeting location: Stone Houses Visitor Center
- Activity: Guided photography walk
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera or fully charged smartphone.
Music in the Market
Enjoy an afternoon of live tunes at the House of Many Porches Market. Music in the Market brings performers and visitors together for a relaxed Saturday at Dix Park.
- Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Location: House of Many Porches Market
- Activity: Live music
Visitors can stop by following the Photography Walk or make the concert experience the centerpiece of their Saturday plans.
Sunday, August 16
Forest Bathing
Close the week with a guided nature and wellness experience near Flowers Cottage.
Forest bathing encourages participants to slow down and connect with their surroundings through quiet observation and mindful interaction with nature. The practice is focused on relaxation rather than strenuous hiking.
- Time: 1–3 p.m.
- Location: Flowers Cottage
- Activity: Guided nature and wellness walk
Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, water and sun protection are recommended.
Plan Your Week at Dix Park
This week’s Dorothea Dix Park calendar offers activities for different ages and interests. Fitness enthusiasts can try yoga or Pilates, families can explore math and reading, and weekend visitors can enjoy photography, live music and nature-based wellness.
Registration may be required for some programs. Events can also be affected by weather, so confirm details and availability through the official Dorothea Dix Park calendar before visiting.
Dorothea Dix Park is located at 1030 Richardson Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Follow DoRaleigh.com for everything Raleigh, including free activities, concerts, family events and weekly park guides.
Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin
Share With Us: Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page.
Advertise With Us: Interested in Advertising click here.Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |
#August2026Events #DixParkEvents #DoRaleigh #DorotheaDixPark #DorotheaDixParkEventGuide #events #familyEventsInRaleigh #ForestBathing #FreeRaleighEvents #MathMakers #MusicInTheMarket #News #PhotographyWalk #PilatesInThePark #RaleighEvents #RaleighLibraryEvents #RaleighParks #thingsToDoInRaleigh #TriviaNightRaleigh #YogaInThePark -
Oh go on then it is Monochrome Monday ❤️
#clothesfreeliving #naturist #naturism #naturalhumanbodies #naked #nude #forestbathing #absolutelynormal #nonsexualnudity #stressbeating -
Just back from an easy round behind the house.
Zurück von einer gemütlichen Runde über den Hoger hinter dem Haus.
#Laufen #Lauf #trailrunning #run #walk #Emmental #forestbathing #Waldbaden
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Just back from an easy round behind the house.
Zurück von einer gemütlichen Runde über den Hoger hinter dem Haus.
#Laufen #Lauf #trailrunning #run #walk #Emmental #forestbathing #Waldbaden
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🌲 TIL: Trees release airborne compounds called phytoncides that measurably boost your immune system.
Dr. Qing Li's research in Japan found that a 3-day forest trip increased natural killer (NK) cell activity by about 50%. NK cells fight virus-infected and abnormal cells. The effect lasted up to 30 days after the trip.
Forest air contains alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and limonene - volatile organic compounds from trees that weren't detected in urban control areas. These compounds also lowered stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
A 2024 meta-analysis across 8 studies confirmed the NK cell effect (effect size 2.50, statistically significant).
Read more:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19568839/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17903349/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950199724000491 -
🌲 TIL: Trees release airborne compounds called phytoncides that measurably boost your immune system.
Dr. Qing Li's research in Japan found that a 3-day forest trip increased natural killer (NK) cell activity by about 50%. NK cells fight virus-infected and abnormal cells. The effect lasted up to 30 days after the trip.
Forest air contains alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and limonene - volatile organic compounds from trees that weren't detected in urban control areas. These compounds also lowered stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
A 2024 meta-analysis across 8 studies confirmed the NK cell effect (effect size 2.50, statistically significant).
Read more:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19568839/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17903349/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950199724000491 -
🌄🌳FOREST BATH💦🧖♀️
No thoughts, just cooling vibes...
#Kyoto #京都 #Kameoka #亀岡 #Japan #森林浴 #forestbathing #mountainday #山の日 #音羽の滝 #Otowanotaki
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🌄🌳FOREST BATH💦🧖♀️
No thoughts, just cooling vibes...
#Kyoto #京都 #Kameoka #亀岡 #Japan #森林浴 #forestbathing #mountainday #山の日 #音羽の滝 #Otowanotaki
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An early morning walk through the forest,all calm and peaceful...what's this 🤔😳😊
#forestbathing #nakedramble #nude #absolutelynormal #clothesfreeliving #naturist #nonsexualnudity #naked #wildcamping #naturallivingstyle -
I didn’t meet any bears on this hike, but I did meet a spooked cat. There was lots of evidence of wild boar. Only one pile of bear poop. #NaturalAirconditioning #forestbathing #SakakiTown #NaganoPrefecture #japan
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I didn’t meet any bears on this hike, but I did meet a spooked cat. There was lots of evidence of wild boar. Only one pile of bear poop. #NaturalAirconditioning #forestbathing #SakakiTown #NaganoPrefecture #japan
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And after a five mile hike I’m spending my afternoon reading. #NaturalAirconditioning #forestbathing #SakakiTown #NaganoPrefecture #japan
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And after a five mile hike I’m spending my afternoon reading. #NaturalAirconditioning #forestbathing #SakakiTown #NaganoPrefecture #japan
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The new bear signs appear to be working well. The campground is virtually empty. Meanwhile it’s a cool 79°F (26℃) up here #NaturalAirconditioning #forestbathing #SakakiTown
#NaganoPrefecture #japan🐻
和平26℃なう。 -
The new bear signs appear to be working well. The campground is virtually empty. Meanwhile it’s a cool 79°F (26℃) up here #NaturalAirconditioning #forestbathing #SakakiTown
#NaganoPrefecture #japan🐻
和平26℃なう。 -
A morning stroll with some stretching thrown in too 🌳🌳🌳😊
#morningstretching #forestbathing #absolutelynormal #nonsexualnudity #stressbeating #clothesfreeliving #naturist #naturism #naturalliving #naturalhumanbodies #naked #nude -
Skip Japan’s Tourist Circuit And Walk These Ancient Trails
Hikers walk through the forest on the Nakasendo Way between the towns of Nagiso and Nojiri, Japan. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) Getty Images Forest bathing is the oppos…
#Japan #JP #JapanNews #forestbathing #japanhiking #Japanese #Japanesenews #kisovalley #KumanoKodo #Kyoto #nakasendoway #news #PaulChristie #ShinrinYoku #Tokyo #walkjapan
https://www.alojapan.com/1510904/skip-japans-tourist-circuit-and-walk-these-ancient-trails/ -
https://www.alojapan.com/1510904/skip-japans-tourist-circuit-and-walk-these-ancient-trails/ Skip Japan’s Tourist Circuit And Walk These Ancient Trails #ForestBathing #Japan #JapanHiking #JapanNews #Japanese #JapaneseNews #KisoValley #KumanoKodo #Kyoto #NakasendoWay #news #PaulChristie #ShinrinYoku #Tokyo #WalkJapan Hikers walk through the forest on the Nakasendo Way between the towns of Nagiso and Nojiri, Japan. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) Getty Images Forest bathing is the opposite of whatever you’re probably doing right
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Chapter 8 Health-giving plants
The neat, trimmed and manicured grass of the pitch of Norwich City Football Club demonstrates one of many non-food uses of plants. Whether exploitation of this plant resource makes you miserable or happy rather depends on which football team you support!
The numerical inspiration for chapter 8 comes from ‘eight millimetres’, the optimum height of the grass on Wimbledon’s tennis courts. That snippet of information leads to thoughts of plants that provide us with a variety of leisure activities and the opportunity to enrich our lives – whether we be ill, in need of ‘rehabilitation’, or just want a bit of ‘space’. Accordingly, leisure activities that help us to keep active and fit are considered here, as well as plant products that are essential to some of those activities and past-times. The contribution of plants – and ‘nature’ and ‘greenness’ more broadly – in the context of human health and wellbeing is also discussed. The Japanese notion of ‘forest bathing’ is not ignored [Ed. – although that part is not ready yet (neither is a look at the physiological impact on plants of paint applied on playing surfaces)…].
In Chapter 7 we’ve just seen that grasses – in the guise of cereals such as wheat, maize, and rice – are crucial staples for the nutrition of a large part of humanity. And the importance of this plant family to people doesn’t end there. When humans are well fed and have leisure time they often turn to grasses again. But this time it’s to provide a plethora of playing surfaces (e.g., Naomi Volain; Lindsey Blackmore; Robert Wood, 2024, and here).
Apart from the perfectly manicured lawns of the Grand Slam (Simon Rea) tennis courts of Wimbledon (which are 100% Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass (Roshneesh Kmaneck, 2025; Tim Newcomb)), and the pitches of professional football clubs (Fig. 9) (that are probably as preened and pampered as the players (e.g., Sam Dalling)), many games and activities are played on grassed surfaces of one sort or another throughout the world. By no means exhaustive, this list of activities includes such sports as: football (which is known as soccer in the USA), baseball, rugby, lacrosse, hockey, tennis, soft-ball, polo, cricket, and rounders; field events such as archery, javelin and discus throwing; and past-times such as golf [Ed – which I recall being memorably defined as ‘a good walk spoiled‘…].
[Ed. – despite its alternative – and original – name of lawn tennis, tennis isn’t just played on a lawn of grass. Opponents also battle it out on non-grass surfaces such as clay and hard courts]
[Ed. – for more grassy activities, see here, here, here, and here. And, for a good read about the “History of Sports Field Turfgrass Surfaces”, see James B Beard]
Quite often these different sports – played on so-called ‘amenity grasslands’, natural grass surfaces which can be defined as “all grass with recreational, functional or aesthetic value and of which agricultural productivity is not the primary aim”, or “an open grassy area (park, playing field, green space) used by the public” – demand their own particular mix of grass species to provide the desired characteristics, e.g., to withstand frequent cutting and trampling (e.g., CE Hubbard, 1972, p. 423), required for their particular intended use.
[Ed. – for more of an insight into amenity grass species, and their applications and functions, see Barbara Wiewióra & Grzegorz Żurek (2023)]
[Ed. – in the USA, the sport’s name ‘football’ is reserved for American football (which is also known as gridiron football) and is played not with a spherical football but an oval-shaped ball (technically known as a prolate spheroid – as opposed to something like the planet Earth, which is an oblate spheroid (John W Foster, 2025)) that’s similar to a rugby ball. Maybe this isn’t too surprising because rugby was one of the sports from which American football originated. However, since soccer is also a sport from which it originated, Mr P Cuttings is still none the wiser why American football has the ball the shape it has…]
Extending this plant-based connection further, many of the items of equipment used in these activities are traditionally made from plant materials. For example, wood for tennis rackets (in the days when their frames were still made out of wood (Stuart Miller, 2006; Thomas Allen, 2020), and cricket bats (famously cricket-bat willow – Salix alba ‘Caerulea’ (WJ Bean, 1907) – for cricket bats (Paul Franklin)). Plant fibres – such as cotton (Hans-Dietrich H Weigmann) – also loom large in various items of sports clothing (e.g., here, here). And plant-derived rubber (Alan N Gent) has been used to provide the bouncy balls essential to some of these activities – apparently, as far back as 1600 BCE in Mesoamerica (Dorothy Hosler et al., 1999; Deborah Halber; Marina Arias & Peter J van Dijk, 2019).
[Ed. – for more – non-grass – plant associations with the Olympic Games, see Sophia Rhizopoulou, 2004]
Plants promote well-being of people
And those outdoor, grass-supported activities are not just enjoyable, but are beneficial to well-being too. Many modern-day studies espouse the benefits – to both general health and mental function – of participation in and exercise derived from such activities (e.g., J Eric Ahlskog et al., 2011; Alan Donaldson & Caroline Finch, 2012; Jiri Dvorak et al., 2012). In many respects these are merely present-day endorsements of the classical notion of mens sana in corpore sano (‘healthy in mind, healthy in body‘) (Aanya Jajoo & Eda Gorbis).
[Ed. – although the Latin phrase is attributed to Ancient Roman poet Juvenal (Billy Morgan & Frances Hutchens), it appears to develop the same idea previously advocated by even-more-ancient Roman Seneca the Younger – who died 63 years before Juvenal’s own demise]
Even for those of a more sedentary persuasion, just being outside – albeit in a ‘green space’, whether natural or urban (Richard Fuller et al., 2007) – may be sufficient to provide physical and psychological (Fuller et al., 2007; Julian Dobson et al) and health (Andrew Lee & R Maheswaran, 2010; Catherine Ward Thompson & Eva Maria Silveirinha de Oliveira, 2016) benefits. Not too surprisingly, this whole concept of ‘Connectedness with Nature’ (CN) is an area of active research (e.g., Renate Cervinka et al., 2012; here; Miles Richardson; Leanne Haywood & James Stiller, 2024; Ziv Shafir, 2025).
The health benefits of what may be termed ‘enclosed green spaces’ – or allotments or household gardens – are also recognised, for old (Theresa L Scott et al., 2020; Julia Hotz, 2025]) and young (Bambi Yost & Louise Chawla, 2009; Cathy Jordan, 2022) alike. Plus, the food you grow yourself may even be healthier for you. Indeed, the very idea of gardening as a source of life-sustaining – and good-health-promoting – food was given added importance and urgency in the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign in the UK during World War II (John Harrison). But, it’s an activity that’s rooted deep within humanity, and an estimated 27 million people in the UK enjoy gardening, according to the gardening industry statistics for 2025.
Gardens galore
Aside from that more functional view of gardens, there is a great tradition throughout the world – not just in the UK with its ‘’nation of gardeners’ (Judith Wakelam, 2010; Noel Kingsbury, 2017; Aurélien Wasilewski, 2024; Neville Stein, 2025) – for ‘pleasure gardens’, “a park or garden that is open to the public for recreation and entertainment” (quoted from here) (e.g., those in London (Warwick Wroth, 1896, such as Vauxhall Gardens, and Raneleagh Gardens) of various forms.
[Ed. – maybe us Brits are not so much a nation of gardeners as one of garden visitors..?]
Such man-made creations were earthly representations of paradise designed to appeal to the senses, provide a place for various ‘amusements’, and represent an oasis of calm amidst the hurly-burly of a more mundane and modern-day existence in many parts of the world. The importance of such places worldwide is underlined by the recognition that the Historic England organisation in the comparatively tiny land-mass of the UK lists 1,700 (as at 20th January, 2025) registered parks and gardens of “special historic interest”. That impressive catalogue is in addition to the botanic gardens (Arthur Hill, 1915; M Alejandra Jaramillo et al., 2025) and physic gardens (Iona Glen, 2022; Katherine Tyrrell, 2025) world-wide. And let us not forget that one of the seven wonders of the ancient world (Elisabeth Deffner; Richard Sheposh, 2024) was the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon (David Marsh, 2021).
Plants promote productivity and recovery
Coming even closer to home there is a body of evidence that the presence of plants in the workplace – or home – improves the ‘wellbeing’ of people (Marjolein Elings, 2006), reduces sick-leave, reduces stress (Parwiz Niazi et al., 2023), and improves people’s productivity (Tina Bringslimark et al., 2007). Indeed, for some individuals, just the sight of a natural landscape from their hospital bed may be enough to aid their recovery from surgery (Roger Ulrich, 1984 [and the 40-year retrospective on that seminal work by Carlsson Elkins (2024)] or during rehabilitation (Ruth Kjærsti Raanaas et al., 2012).
Even for those not in hospital, Masashi Soga & Kevin J Gaston (2025) found that there were health benefits from simply viewing nature through windows, which led them to state that “Our findings emphasize the value of integrating nature views into urban environments to enhance health and well-being, particularly in densely populated cities where access to large green spaces is limited”. And, if you can’t see plants through a window, simply touching plants indoors can induce a feeling of calm amongst people (Kazuko Koga & Yutaka Iwasaki, 2013). Plants are good for people.
Furthermore, the health-promoting properties of gardens within the hospital setting – and the whole ‘green care’ notion (Dorit Karla Haubenhofer et al., 2010) – may have wider medical value (Deborah Franklin, 2012). In a broader social context, the benefits of engaging in horticulture as a channel for the energies of ‘adjudicated youths’ has been promoted by the New Jersey Department of Correction and Division of Juvenile Services in co-operation with Rutgers University Cook College (Joel Flagler, 1995). So, arguably, such communing with nature helps to improve the health of society, too. Small wonder, then, that in a 2012 job satisfaction survey, gardeners and florists were amongst the UK’s happiest workers (which assertion was reiterated for both in 2015, 2019, and 2024). Furthermore, “Working With Flowers Can Change Your Life” – for ‘how’, see here. And for more on “Health-Boosting Benefits” of working in gardening, see here.
Conclusion
This chapter has looked at ways in which plants provide us with a variety of leisure activities – and the opportunity to enrich our lives – whether we be ill, in need of ‘rehabilitation’, or just want a bit of space (as long as it’s green!).
#allotments #ballGames #botany #DigForVictory #florists #forestBathing #gardeners #gardening #gardens #greenCare #greenMedicine #happinessInWork #hospital #lawnTennis #lawns #mentalHealth #plants #playingFields #pleasureGardens #recreation #scienceCommunication #shinrinYoku #sports #sportsClothing #wellBeing -
Chapter 8 Health-giving plants
The neat, trimmed and manicured grass of the pitch of Norwich City Football Club demonstrates one of many non-food uses of plants. Whether exploitation of this plant resource makes you miserable or happy rather depends on which football team you support!
The numerical inspiration for chapter 8 comes from ‘eight millimetres’, the optimum height of the grass on Wimbledon’s tennis courts. That snippet of information leads to thoughts of plants that provide us with a variety of leisure activities and the opportunity to enrich our lives – whether we be ill, in need of ‘rehabilitation’, or just want a bit of ‘space’. Accordingly, leisure activities that help us to keep active and fit are considered here, as well as plant products that are essential to some of those activities and past-times. The contribution of plants – and ‘nature’ and ‘greenness’ more broadly – in the context of human health and wellbeing is also discussed. The Japanese notion of ‘forest bathing’ is not ignored [Ed. – although that part is not ready yet (neither is a look at the physiological impact on plants of paint applied on playing surfaces)…].
In Chapter 7 we’ve just seen that grasses – in the guise of cereals such as wheat, maize, and rice – are crucial staples for the nutrition of a large part of humanity. And the importance of this plant family to people doesn’t end there. When humans are well fed and have leisure time they often turn to grasses again. But this time it’s to provide a plethora of playing surfaces (e.g., Naomi Volain; Lindsey Blackmore; Robert Wood, 2024, and here).
Apart from the perfectly manicured lawns of the Grand Slam (Simon Rea) tennis courts of Wimbledon (which are 100% Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass (Roshneesh Kmaneck, 2025; Tim Newcomb)), and the pitches of professional football clubs (Fig. 9) (that are probably as preened and pampered as the players (e.g., Sam Dalling)), many games and activities are played on grassed surfaces of one sort or another throughout the world. By no means exhaustive, this list of activities includes such sports as: football (which is known as soccer in the USA), baseball, rugby, lacrosse, hockey, tennis, soft-ball, polo, cricket, and rounders; field events such as archery, javelin and discus throwing; and past-times such as golf [Ed – which I recall being memorably defined as ‘a good walk spoiled‘…].
[Ed. – despite its alternative – and original – name of lawn tennis, tennis isn’t just played on a lawn of grass. Opponents also battle it out on non-grass surfaces such as clay and hard courts]
[Ed. – for more grassy activities, see here, here, here, and here. And, for a good read about the “History of Sports Field Turfgrass Surfaces”, see James B Beard]
Quite often these different sports – played on so-called ‘amenity grasslands’, natural grass surfaces which can be defined as “all grass with recreational, functional or aesthetic value and of which agricultural productivity is not the primary aim”, or “an open grassy area (park, playing field, green space) used by the public” – demand their own particular mix of grass species to provide the desired characteristics, e.g., to withstand frequent cutting and trampling (e.g., CE Hubbard, 1972, p. 423), required for their particular intended use.
[Ed. – for more of an insight into amenity grass species, and their applications and functions, see Barbara Wiewióra & Grzegorz Żurek (2023)]
[Ed. – in the USA, the sport’s name ‘football’ is reserved for American football (which is also known as gridiron football) and is played not with a spherical football but an oval-shaped ball (technically known as a prolate spheroid – as opposed to something like the planet Earth, which is an oblate spheroid (John W Foster, 2025)) that’s similar to a rugby ball. Maybe this isn’t too surprising because rugby was one of the sports from which American football originated. However, since soccer is also a sport from which it originated, Mr P Cuttings is still none the wiser why American football has the ball the shape it has…]
Extending this plant-based connection further, many of the items of equipment used in these activities are traditionally made from plant materials. For example, wood for tennis rackets (in the days when their frames were still made out of wood (Stuart Miller, 2006; Thomas Allen, 2020), and cricket bats (famously cricket-bat willow – Salix alba ‘Caerulea’ (WJ Bean, 1907) – for cricket bats (Paul Franklin)). Plant fibres – such as cotton (Hans-Dietrich H Weigmann) – also loom large in various items of sports clothing (e.g., here, here). And plant-derived rubber (Alan N Gent) has been used to provide the bouncy balls essential to some of these activities – apparently, as far back as 1600 BCE in Mesoamerica (Dorothy Hosler et al., 1999; Deborah Halber; Marina Arias & Peter J van Dijk, 2019).
[Ed. – for more – non-grass – plant associations with the Olympic Games, see Sophia Rhizopoulou, 2004]
Plants promote well-being of people
And those outdoor, grass-supported activities are not just enjoyable, but are beneficial to well-being too. Many modern-day studies espouse the benefits – to both general health and mental function – of participation in and exercise derived from such activities (e.g., J Eric Ahlskog et al., 2011; Alan Donaldson & Caroline Finch, 2012; Jiri Dvorak et al., 2012). In many respects these are merely present-day endorsements of the classical notion of mens sana in corpore sano (‘healthy in mind, healthy in body‘) (Aanya Jajoo & Eda Gorbis).
[Ed. – although the Latin phrase is attributed to Ancient Roman poet Juvenal (Billy Morgan & Frances Hutchens), it appears to develop the same idea previously advocated by even-more-ancient Roman Seneca the Younger – who died 63 years before Juvenal’s own demise]
Even for those of a more sedentary persuasion, just being outside – albeit in a ‘green space’, whether natural or urban (Richard Fuller et al., 2007) – may be sufficient to provide physical and psychological (Fuller et al., 2007; Julian Dobson et al) and health (Andrew Lee & R Maheswaran, 2010; Catherine Ward Thompson & Eva Maria Silveirinha de Oliveira, 2016) benefits. Not too surprisingly, this whole concept of ‘Connectedness with Nature’ (CN) is an area of active research (e.g., Renate Cervinka et al., 2012; here; Miles Richardson; Leanne Haywood & James Stiller, 2024; Ziv Shafir, 2025).
The health benefits of what may be termed ‘enclosed green spaces’ – or allotments or household gardens – are also recognised, for old (Theresa L Scott et al., 2020; Julia Hotz, 2025]) and young (Bambi Yost & Louise Chawla, 2009; Cathy Jordan, 2022) alike. Plus, the food you grow yourself may even be healthier for you. Indeed, the very idea of gardening as a source of life-sustaining – and good-health-promoting – food was given added importance and urgency in the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign in the UK during World War II (John Harrison). But, it’s an activity that’s rooted deep within humanity, and an estimated 27 million people in the UK enjoy gardening, according to the gardening industry statistics for 2025.
Gardens galore
Aside from that more functional view of gardens, there is a great tradition throughout the world – not just in the UK with its ‘’nation of gardeners’ (Judith Wakelam, 2010; Noel Kingsbury, 2017; Aurélien Wasilewski, 2024; Neville Stein, 2025) – for ‘pleasure gardens’, “a park or garden that is open to the public for recreation and entertainment” (quoted from here) (e.g., those in London (Warwick Wroth, 1896, such as Vauxhall Gardens, and Raneleagh Gardens) of various forms.
[Ed. – maybe us Brits are not so much a nation of gardeners as one of garden visitors..?]
Such man-made creations were earthly representations of paradise designed to appeal to the senses, provide a place for various ‘amusements’, and represent an oasis of calm amidst the hurly-burly of a more mundane and modern-day existence in many parts of the world. The importance of such places worldwide is underlined by the recognition that the Historic England organisation in the comparatively tiny land-mass of the UK lists 1,700 (as at 20th January, 2025) registered parks and gardens of “special historic interest”. That impressive catalogue is in addition to the botanic gardens (Arthur Hill, 1915; M Alejandra Jaramillo et al., 2025) and physic gardens (Iona Glen, 2022; Katherine Tyrrell, 2025) world-wide. And let us not forget that one of the seven wonders of the ancient world (Elisabeth Deffner; Richard Sheposh, 2024) was the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon (David Marsh, 2021).
Plants promote productivity and recovery
Coming even closer to home there is a body of evidence that the presence of plants in the workplace – or home – improves the ‘wellbeing’ of people (Marjolein Elings, 2006), reduces sick-leave, reduces stress (Parwiz Niazi et al., 2023), and improves people’s productivity (Tina Bringslimark et al., 2007). Indeed, for some individuals, just the sight of a natural landscape from their hospital bed may be enough to aid their recovery from surgery (Roger Ulrich, 1984 [and the 40-year retrospective on that seminal work by Carlsson Elkins (2024)] or during rehabilitation (Ruth Kjærsti Raanaas et al., 2012).
Even for those not in hospital, Masashi Soga & Kevin J Gaston (2025) found that there were health benefits from simply viewing nature through windows, which led them to state that “Our findings emphasize the value of integrating nature views into urban environments to enhance health and well-being, particularly in densely populated cities where access to large green spaces is limited”. And, if you can’t see plants through a window, simply touching plants indoors can induce a feeling of calm amongst people (Kazuko Koga & Yutaka Iwasaki, 2013). Plants are good for people.
Furthermore, the health-promoting properties of gardens within the hospital setting – and the whole ‘green care’ notion (Dorit Karla Haubenhofer et al., 2010) – may have wider medical value (Deborah Franklin, 2012). In a broader social context, the benefits of engaging in horticulture as a channel for the energies of ‘adjudicated youths’ has been promoted by the New Jersey Department of Correction and Division of Juvenile Services in co-operation with Rutgers University Cook College (Joel Flagler, 1995). So, arguably, such communing with nature helps to improve the health of society, too. Small wonder, then, that in a 2012 job satisfaction survey, gardeners and florists were amongst the UK’s happiest workers (which assertion was reiterated for both in 2015, 2019, and 2024). Furthermore, “Working With Flowers Can Change Your Life” – for ‘how’, see here. And for more on “Health-Boosting Benefits” of working in gardening, see here.
Conclusion
This chapter has looked at ways in which plants provide us with a variety of leisure activities – and the opportunity to enrich our lives – whether we be ill, in need of ‘rehabilitation’, or just want a bit of space (as long as it’s green!).
#allotments #ballGames #botany #DigForVictory #florists #forestBathing #gardeners #gardening #gardens #greenCare #greenMedicine #happinessInWork #hospital #lawnTennis #lawns #mentalHealth #plants #playingFields #pleasureGardens #recreation #scienceCommunication #shinrinYoku #sports #sportsClothing #wellBeing -
Three days of forest bathing in a row, it's convenient and it's comfortable and I love it ♥️
#clothesfreeliving #forestbathing #nakedandbarefoot #stressbeating #nonsexualnudity #absolutelynormal #itsonlynatural #naturalhumanbodies #naturallivingstyle #naked #nude #bare #naturist #naturism #happy #hot -
So much cooler today than yesterday, time for some stretching 😊🌳
#clothesfreeliving #naturist #naturism #naturalhumanbodies #naked #nude #forestbathing #absolutelynormal #nonsexualnudity #stressbeating -
This Week at Dorothea Dix Park: Wellness, Nature & Family Fun in Raleigh | June 22–28, 2026
Looking for free outdoor activities in Raleigh this week? Dorothea Dix Park is offering a full lineup of wellness programs, family-friendly experiences, nature exploration, and community events from June 22 through June 28, 2026.
From Yoga in the Park and Tai Chi to Poetry in the Park, Forest Bathing, and Guided Walking Tours, there’s something for every age and interest at one of Raleigh’s most beloved public spaces.
Monday, June 22
Yoga in the Park
Come flow with us
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Harvey HillStart your week with an evening yoga session surrounded by the natural beauty of Dorothea Dix Park. This outdoor class is perfect for all skill levels and offers a relaxing way to unwind while enjoying the park’s scenic views.
Tuesday, June 23
Tai Chi
Balance, calm, and inner peace
🕕 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
📍 Harvey HillExperience the gentle movements of Tai Chi while improving balance, flexibility, and mindfulness in a peaceful outdoor setting.
Wednesday, June 24
Learn to Ride a Bike
For kids and families
🕣 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
📍 Gipson Play PlazaFamilies can help children build confidence and learn essential cycling skills during this fun and supportive program.
Meditation
Find mindful insight
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 The ChapelTake a break from the daily rush and participate in a guided meditation session designed to promote relaxation, focus, and personal wellness.
Friday, June 26
Poetry in the Park
Family-friendly vibes, listeners welcome
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 House of Many Porches MarketEnjoy an evening of spoken word, storytelling, and creative expression in a welcoming community atmosphere. Whether you’re performing or simply listening, all are welcome.
Saturday, June 27
Bird Watching
Train your eyes and ears
🕢 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
📍 Flowers CottageExplore the diverse bird habitats throughout Dix Park while learning bird identification techniques from experienced guides.
Soliloquies of the Trees
Listen to the stories
🕡 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Flowers FieldThis unique outdoor experience invites visitors to connect with nature through storytelling and reflection among the park’s beautiful tree-lined landscapes.
Sunday, June 28
Guided Walking Tour
Explore the park’s past, present & future
🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Stone Houses Visitor CenterDiscover the rich history and exciting future plans for Dorothea Dix Park during this informative guided tour.
Forest Bathing
Guided nature walk for wellness
🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Flowers CottageInspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, Forest Bathing encourages participants to slow down and connect with nature through mindful observation and sensory awareness.
Sound Bath
Deep relaxation journey
🕑 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 The ChapelEnd your weekend with a calming sound healing experience designed to reduce stress, improve focus, and promote deep relaxation.
Why Visit Dorothea Dix Park This Week?
Dorothea Dix Park continues to be one of Raleigh’s premier destinations for wellness, recreation, education, and community engagement. With free programming that encourages physical activity, mindfulness, creativity, and environmental appreciation, the park offers meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Whether you’re practicing yoga, learning about local wildlife, exploring Raleigh’s history, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature this week.
For more local events, community news, and things to do throughout Raleigh and the Triangle, visit DoRaleigh.com daily.
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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | DoRaleigh.com
#BirdWatchingRaleigh #communityEventsRaleigh #DoRaleigh #DorotheaDixPark #DorotheaDixParkEvents #events #FamilyActivitiesRaleigh #ForestBathing #FreeEventsRaleigh #meditationRaleigh #NatureActivitiesRaleigh #News #outdoorEventsRaleigh #PoetryInThePark #RaleighEvents #RaleighParks #TaiChiRaleigh #ThingsToDoRaleigh #TriangleEvents #VisitRaleigh #WellnessEventsRaleigh #YogaInThePark -
#ForestFriday from the northern California redwoods, where stately Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is surrounded by a dense forest understory of ferns, sorrel, and little shrubs.
Photographed along the Boyscout Tree Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park last year in May. The trail is ~5 miles out and back if I recall, and leads to an impressive old-growth tree before it ends at a little waterfall. Worth the hike!
#Forest #NaturePhotography #NorthernCalifornia #SequoiaSempervirens #IntimateLandscape #Forests #Nature #Photography #ForestBathing #ShinrinYoku #Hiking
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#ForestFriday from the northern California redwoods, where stately Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is surrounded by a dense forest understory of ferns, sorrel, and little shrubs.
Photographed along the Boyscout Tree Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park last year in May. The trail is ~5 miles out and back if I recall, and leads to an impressive old-growth tree before it ends at a little waterfall. Worth the hike!
#Forest #NaturePhotography #NorthernCalifornia #SequoiaSempervirens #IntimateLandscape #Forests #Nature #Photography #ForestBathing #ShinrinYoku #Hiking
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I first learned about forest bathing years ago, and began practicing in earnest during the pandemic. It's now a mandatory part of my week!
(I haven't been able to convince my kids to join me, so it's just me and my husband for now.)
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**Did you know forest bathing in Japan reduces stress levels by 12.4%?
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a traditional Japanese practice that involves spending time in the woods to promote physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that the natural environment has a profound impact on our mental and emotional health.
"Trees are the earth's infinite library" - Chinese proverb.
What's your favorite way to unwind in nature?
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Walk in the afternoon. Few people out and about, wonder if humans had enough summer already after 5 days?
Mountains hardly visible in the haze.Spaziergang am Nachmittag. Nur wenige Leute draussen. Ob die Menschen nach 5 Tagen bereits genug Sommer hatten?
Die Berge sind im Dunst fast nicht zu erkennen.#Waldbaden #forestbathing #Spazieren #Spaziergang #walk #walking #Emmental #Schweiz #Switzerland #summer #Sommer
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Morning walk.
A week ago it was cold, rainy, and miserable. Not today 🙂Morgenspaziergang.
Vor einer Woche war es kalt und verregnet, richtig mieses Wetter. Heute nicht 🙂#Spaziergang #Spazieren #walk #walking #forestbathing #Switzerland #Schweiz
