Immerse yourself in Sunshine Coast’s most beautiful national parks with a local forest bathing guide
A new venture by a local business owner is helping locals and tourists experience nature and forest bathing immersions in Sunshine Coast National Parks.
“I want everyone to feel held – like they truly belong – whenever they’re outside” said business owner Jay Ridgewell of Held Outside Nature Connection Experiences, who is set to expand her offerings into National Parks this month.
Individuals of all ages can book in for nature bathing experiences in the flourishing coastal heathlands in October, the Glass House Mountains in November and the lush rainforest of the hinterland in December.
Couples and small groups can tailor their own mini nature bathing retreat to connect and relax together in spectacular surrounds, whether as a standalone activity or added to a Sunshine Coast getaway.
“These nature and forest bathing walks will help guests build powerful, meaningful memories that will boost their health and bring them back to the Coast again and again. They can choose from some of the most iconic rainforests, mountains, waterfalls and heathlands for their tailored nature bathing experience.”
Across the world people are feeling the pressure of modern life, with high stress, burnout and mental health struggles becoming commonplace. We know something is wrong, and many are looking for answers.
We all know that being out in nature feels good, and now the science backs it up: it has been shown to benefit our mental health, blood pressure, sleep and immune systems, to name just a few. In fact, researchers from the University of Adelaide showed in a recent study that local’s trips to national parks was saving the health system $140 million per year in avoided health costs. Domestic and international visitors are opting increasingly for the outdoors when on holidays, with Tourism Research Australia recording a 47% increase nature-based activities over the last decade.
But the strongest benefits are found by those who have what’s called strong nature connectedness, and it’s the meaningful moments in nature, not just the amount of time spent, that correlates with the highest gains in wellbeing.
“There are so many different ways to enjoy being outside, but to really develop your own nature connection, it’s about being intentional, noticing beauty and our interconnectedness, which is where the Japanese concept of Shinrin Yoku (translated as Forest Bathing or Immersion) has come from. It’s about rekindling a simpler way of being that First Nations cultures still have and probably all of our ancestors would be familiar with, if we go back a few generations.”
After working as a science educator in schools and museums, owner Jay Ridgewell found that there was a missing link.
Jay started the business in 2021, after retraining as a nature and forest therapy guide. Since then, she’s guided over 1400 locals to connect with nature, including through the Sunshine Coast Council’s Healthy Sunshine Coast program.
“As a science educator I can help people learn about the unique and diverse ecosystems and wildlife who live here,” she said.
“But as a nature connection guide as well, I draw on a sequence of evidence-based activities to support people to slow down, become more present and comfortable outside and explore or deepen their own relationship with nature.
“Nature connectedness describes our relationship with the rest of the world. Not just what we know about nature, but how we know, sense, love, care and act for nature”
Groups can book in for a private forest bathing walk from October 1st and Jay is launching Held Outside Sunshine Coast Nature and Forest Bathing with four public walks before Christmas. For a sustainable, nature-based gift you can also purchase a forest bathing experience gift certificate. Visit https://heldoutside.com.au/SunshineCoastForestBathing for details.