Forest therapy - Sarah Ivens

Who hasn't felt better after a walk in the woods, a picnic alfresco or a swim in the sea?

There is something soul-soothingly simple and refreshing about getting back to nature, about making the most of the great outdoors, being mindful of Mother Nature's gifts and grabbing spring and summer - and those blue sky, brisk days of autumn and winter - with both hands. But sadly it is a skill we are losing. We are becoming creatures wrapped in walls and trapped by to-do lists, hibernating while the world sprouts, grows and changes.

From a simple walk in the woods and countryside couples therapy to DIY natural beauty products and how to bring the outdoors to your home, Forest Therapy will provide seasonal tips to help you reconnect with nature. This book is not just for mountain climbers or white water rafters - it is for uninspired fathers wanting to reconnect their families, bookworms looking to shake off their cobwebs, cooped-up kids needing to let off steam, stressed-out professionals wanting to stop and smell the flowers and worn-down mums needing a rejuvenating boost. We all know getting outside is good for us. Our ancestors did it. We should too. This book will help you live your most unforgettable, fabulous alfresco life.

Sarah Ivens is the former Editor of OK! Magazine in New York. She has also written for Marie Claire, Tatler, Woman's Journal, Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, News of the World and GQ. She is the author of Forest Therapy and the bestselling Modern Girl's Guide to Getting Hitched.

If you go down to the woods today or any day, you might just boost your physical and mental health
Metro

Spending less time in nature is negatively affecting our children, both physically (their eyesight is getting worse as a result) and emotionally (more difficult behavior). Children today need to climb more trees, play with sycamore airplanes, make fairy tea parties with acorn cups, gather more blackberries and eat them straight from the bush, make more daisy chains and leaf prints, dissect owl pellets, play in mud, collect forest treasures and breathe more fresh air. This little book has lots of great ideas if spending time in forests isn't second nature to you - or your kids.
Sarah Ockwell-Smith, author and parenting expert

If you go down to the woods today or any day, you might just boost your physical and mental health
Metro