The Benefits of Forest Bathing for Teachers with David Stepanczuk

The Benefits of Forest Bathing for Teachers with David Stepanczuk

Author: TESOL Pop January 2, 2024 Duration: 7:53

This special episode for Season 7 features a narrative from educator David Stepanczuk, who shares his journey from the challenges of finding work in Japan to discovering the practice of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) for stress relief.


In this episode, David shares:


Discovering Forest Bathing: David recounts the pivotal moment during a trip to Nara Park, where the expansive forest and tame deer provided a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. He later experienced the need for a break during a hectic teaching schedule, leading him to discover forest bathing or shinrin-yoku.


Forest Bathing Benefits: David describes forest bathing as a slow and immersive experience, distinct from hiking. He emphasizes its role in clearing the mind, promoting relaxation, and its potential for alleviating teacher fatigue.


Personal Observations: David shares his observations on the benefits of forest bathing, including reduced blood pressure, increased energy, and enhanced focus.


References & Resources

Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Available here. Accessed on 2 Jan 2024

Stepanczuk, D. (2020) How PAC Almost Got Me. Available at MIND BRAIN EDUCATION. Accessed on 2 Jan 2024

Stepanczuk, D. (2023) Meditation and Incense: How I Meditate, and Teacher Fatigue. Available on LinkedIn here. Accessed on 2 Jan 2024


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Credits

Podcaster & Producer Laura Wilkes

Audio-Video Editor Haven Tsang

With thanks to our knowledgeable guest, David Stepanczuk


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Ever feel like the best teaching ideas come from a quick chat in the staffroom, but your schedule never allows for it? TESOL Pop captures that spark. Designed for the busy English language teacher, this mini podcast delivers compact, meaningful conversations with TESOL, TEFL, and ESL educators globally. Each episode is a focused interview, kept under fifteen minutes, packed with practical ideas and personal insights that can genuinely shift your approach in the classroom. You’ll hear stories about career pivots, reflections on what actually works with students, and clever uses of technology, all shared in a casual, accessible tone. It’s the audio equivalent of a refreshing coffee break with a colleague who gets it. The podcast understands that profound professional development doesn’t always require a lengthy seminar; sometimes, a single, well-timed insight is enough to reinvigorate your teaching. By tuning in, you join a global conversation that feels both personal and immediately useful, making it easy to integrate new perspectives into your daily routine without overwhelming your calendar.
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