Conference Symposium: Nature Based Interventions to enhance Relaxation and Wellbeing
The International Relaxation Day annual conference is co-sponsored by the International Society for Coaching Psychology. This year Day 2 of the Conference was held on the 15th August with a conference symposium focusing on Nature-Based Interventions (NBIs) to enhance relaxation, calmness and wellbeing with speakers Dr Yumna Ali, Prof Stephen Palmer and Ruby Sweeney Spitzeck.
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Nature-Based Relaxation: Using the natural world to reduce stress, enhance relaxation and restore wellbeing with Professor Stephen Palmer PhD (UK). Start: 10:00 BST to 10:30 BST.
Nature-based relaxation is the intentional use of natural settings, natural elements or representations of nature to support reduced arousal and subjective calm. It can involve direct nature, indoor nature, natural sounds, imagery, photographs, window views or virtual nature. The emphasis is relaxation, not performance, exercise targets or wilderness challenges! In this presentation Prof Stephen Palmer explains why natural environments can reduce threat monitoring, support feelings of safety and enhance wellbeing and relaxation. The REST in Nature model which is a simple psychoeducational framework that integrates evidence-informed relaxation and nature-engagement principles will be discussed. There will be an opportunity for a live practice session using a short Nature Pause or Reset. The presentation finishes by considering Relaxation for All. Video can also be viewed on YouTube.
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Green Therapy for Relaxation in Northern South Asia with Dr. Yumna Ali, PhD (Pakistan).
Start: 10:45 BST to 11:15 BST. Start: 14:45 PKT (Pakistan Standard Time)
Green Therapy for Relaxation in Northern South Asia explored mental health practitioners’ views of Nature-Based Interventions (NBIs) in the Hazara Division of Northern Pakistan. Clinicians viewed NBIs as affordable, culturally acceptable, and valuable complements to conventional mental healthcare, highlighting benefits such as reduced stress, improved mood, stronger social connections, and increased resilience. Hazara’s forests, mountains, rivers, and agricultural landscapes were identified as important therapeutic resources that could support community mental health services. However, barriers including stigma, low motivation, transportation difficulties, safety concerns, limited awareness, and cultural considerations were also identified. The findings suggest that, with appropriate training, risk management, and culturally sensitive programme design, NBIs could provide an innovative and sustainable approach to enhancing mental well-being in Northern Pakistan. Furthermore, the region’s therapeutic landscapes may benefit not only local communities but also domestic and international tourists seeking restorative and nature-based experiences that support relaxation and psychological well-being. NB. Video can also be viewed on YouTube.
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Lean into Trees with Ruby Sweeney Spitzeck (Australia).
Start: 11:15 BST to 11:30 BST. Start: 20:15 AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time).
Lean into Trees is a worldwide project set up by Adrian Barker aimed at encouraging people to literally connect with trees. It’s about mental health, somatic experience and also environmental awareness. It’s about tapping into trees as support in a 2 minute meditation process. We have some innovative ways to promote the idea and thank the International Relaxation Day organizers for the opportunity to participate! The Video can also be viewed on YouTube.
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