Forest medicine for body, mind & soul

The forest – an outlet for negative thoughts

Have you ever noticed that after a strenuous day and a walk in the forest you were suddenly much more relaxed? That was no coincidence, because the forest also has an incredibly calming effect on your mind.

• How often do you take time just to be? Preferably in nature?
• How long can you go for a walk without mulling over thoughts or looking at your phone? ;)

My health impulse for you today:

For a long time I underestimated the power of nature and the forest. Later I noticed that in demanding times I automatically went to the forest more often. I think that is how it is for many people. We humans are part of nature, and it gives us strength. It is truly calming for the mind when you manage to “just be” – without mulling over thoughts or constantly checking messages on your phone. That too was a challenge for me at first.

Today I go into the forest much more consciously and connect with nature and the trees. I consciously root myself in the earth and train myself to feel the exchange of energy between nature and me. In addition to calming and grounding the mind, the forest is of great importance for health.

Read how the forest also affects your immune system – here is a quotation from a holistic doctor and internist, Dr Jérôme Lay, in Lahnstein: “At the present time, the stimulating effect on the human immune system is particularly exciting. For example, contact with the forest can significantly increase the concentration of natural killer cells and their activity. Natural killer cells are white blood cells and part of the body’s own immune defence. Their action is directed above all against cells infected by viruses and against degenerate cells (tumour cells). The increase in the number of natural killer cells and their activity can be traced back to contact with terpenes in the forest. Terpenes are a very large group of chemical compounds and form the main component of essential plant oils. A high concentration of terpenes can be measured in the forest in particular.”

Spending time in the forest promotes stress reduction, helps you sleep, increases your ability to concentrate and much more! Even a protective effect on the cardiovascular system and a reduction in psychosomatic complaints have been demonstrated after regular time spent in the forest.

I recommend that you “just be” for half an hour every day, ideally, and take a walk in the forest – WITHOUT your phone!

Birgit Hufnagl

Health coach

• Today I tell you which ritual I do every day
• How I actively “use” the forest to gain clarity about my next steps
• What I do when I can’t think clearly or am not feeling so good
• And what you can do if there is no forest close by

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Enthusiastic prevention adviser for health

My enthusiasm for all topics that promote health and help to maintain it for longer has accompanied me all my life. I have been successfully applying everything that, for me, is part of a healthy lifestyle to myself and my family for years. At the very top is a healthy, natural diet – and of course mental health!

Let’s work on your health together.

The great benefit for you:

• More time for yourself
• A feeling of freedom through self-determined action
• You need medical help less and less often
• Mental strength helps you “discharge” conflicts immediately
• You can manage to avoid around 80% of all illnesses
• You can enjoy a much easier & more relaxed life
• Healthier children who are not constantly ailing

Who am I?

I originally come from the beautiful upper Mühlviertel and have been living in Vienna with my husband for 13 years. It has always been my great passion to accompany people in crises, simply to listen and to encourage them to try new paths too.