Breathe with the Trees Relaxation Training

WHEN: Thursdays @ 10am-11am LOCATION: We start at the Yew Garden (shaded area next to the public restroom), but please be aware that our activities take us to different locations through the hour. Arriving on time will help ensure the best experience for all. INSTRUCTOR: Sarafaith Pekor, founder of Seeds of Inclusion, a community alliance of healthcare and horticulture professionals that specialize in wellness programs designed to enhance human health and to also increase human appreciation for the natural environment. COST: Please donate an amount of your choice – 100% of your donation goes to support the work of Mead Botanical Garden. You can pay online through Eventbrite or use the QR code provided by the instructor. WHAT TO BRING: Bring water! We also recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing and supportive, closed toed shoes that support your feet (sneakers ideal) CLASS INTRODUCTION: Stress may be an inescapable fact of life, but did you know that escaping into nature can be the perfect prescription for relieving stress? Breathe with the Trees is an enjoyable introduction to nature-based relaxation training. Participants will learn the practical magic of “green immersion” through simple exercises that stimulate the senses, release endorphins, enhance mental clarity, neutralize anxiety, lift the weight of fatigue, and replenish the spirit. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Nature based-relaxation training has been proven to help reduce the negative impacts of stress in the following ways: • Lowering cortisol (stress hormone) levels • Reducing blood pressure & heart rate • Relieving anxiety & depression • Restoring mental clarity and improving concentration • Neutralizing reactive anger responses • Relieving some symptoms of chronic pain FUN FACT: Clinical studies show that relaxation exercises performed in tranquil outdoor settings get substantially better results in reducing stress than the same exercises performed indoors. So why not treat yourself to an hour of tranquility and “green self-care” at Mead Botanical Garden? All you have to lose is a little stress!