The holiday season is coming to an end and is slowly giving way to autumn. Nature will once again delight us with beautiful shades of reds, golds and deep browns. It's time to slow down a bit and relax after the summer craziness. It is time to indulge in reflection on the inevitability of change, which we simply need. Nature knows what it is doing, changing for us four times a year. And autumn on Sticks is simply wonderful! Right now, you can experience extraordinary moments of closeness to nature, and at the same time relax and stretch yourself by indulging in the many opportunities for relaxation.
When summer ends, a new adventure begins
Summer is slowly giving way to another equally fascinating season - autumn. This is the period when nature speaks to us in all its colours. The days grow shorter, the air takes on a cool freshness and the forests turn into a canvas painted in the deepest and warmest hues. It is a time when nature not only changes its appearance, but also invites us to reflect and change our perspective. On Sticks in the Forest of Possibilities, you can experience extraordinary moments of intimacy with this dynamically changing environment, which offers delightful new scenarios every day.
However, tranquillity and reflection are not the only charms of autumn at Patyki. Campfires, mushroom picking, an open-air Jacuzzi, a sauna, the relaxation area loved by our guests, time with friends, walks on the beach - these are just some of the possibilities.
Autumn is a time of detachment and regeneration
If you only associate autumn with the sad end of the summer holidays, it's high time for a change of perspective! Of course, sometimes we will miss the summer adventures and that's fine too. We hope you have many wonderful memories of this summer. However, the time is coming for new, different but equally wonderful experiences! It's all ahead of us. And what can you discover in autumn on the Sticks?
The Forest of Possibilities is also a paradise for mushroom pickers
Autumn is the season that many mushroom lovers look forward to. The forest turns into a uniquely picturesque land that is just waiting for you to discover more of its treasures. Mushrooms, from boletes to bay boletes to buttermilks and rattlesnakes, not only offer excellent taste. They are also a valuable source of protein, vitamins and minerals. At Patyki, mushroom picking is not only an opportunity to enrich the autumn menu, but also a chance to learn about biodiversity and the importance of mushrooms in the forest ecosystem. Mushroom picking is also a great reason to be out in the fresh air, which is downright beneficial in the forest.
Going mushroom picking together can be great fun and a great way to start the day. It can also be a deeply therapeutic experience to take a break from the stress-penetrated everyday life. Immersing yourself in a tranquil forest environment has benefits that are also proven by science.
Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on Sticks
Forest bathing is a term that continues to grow in popularity. And for good reason. There really is a lot to be said about the benefits of forest bathing. For example, we will cite one study conducted by Japanese researchers from Chiba University, who examined the effects of „forest bathing” in detail. Their findings, published in 2010 in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, provide scientific evidence that spending time in the forest can significantly reduce stress levels, improve mood and increase overall quality of life. This study showed that just a few hours in the woods can reduce cortisol levels, known as the „stress hormone”, and lower blood pressure and heart rate. What's more, participants in the study showed significant improvement of mood and general well-being
Researchers suggest that the beneficial effects of being in the woods may be related to inhaling phytoncides - natural essential oils produced by trees that can support the immune system. Further research supports these findings, pointing to the mental health benefits of regular „forest bathing”, including a reduction in the risk of depression and anxiety. These findings highlight just how important spending regular time in a natural setting can be for health and wellbeing, especially in seasons of changing weather, when natural sunlight is less available. Nature really is a field of constant admiration, not only for its beauty, but also for its direct benefits to human health and well-being.
Seasonal rhythms and emotional health
The impact of the change of seasons on human health and wellbeing is still an endless topic. And a very interesting one. One of the key studies on the impact of seasonal changes on mental health was conducted by Norman E. Rosenthal and his team, who first described Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in 1984. This study, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, revolutionised the understanding of the effects of light and seasons on people's mood. Rosenthal noted that the short days of autumn and winter in higher latitudes lead to an increased incidence of depression and lowered mood in some people. His study used light therapy, which involved exposing patients to intense light sources on a daily basis, which significantly improved their mood. The study showed that regular exposure could significantly reduce symptoms of seasonal depression.
This study highlights the importance of adapting our lifestyles to the rhythms of nature, especially at a time when the seasons are changing. Consciously spending time outdoors, even in colder weather days, is not only an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of natural light, but also a way to synchronise our internal biological clock with natural cycles.
How to adapt to the seasonal rhythm?
- Conscious use of natural light - even a short walk during the day can help increase exposure to sunlight, which improves mood and regulates sleep.
- Outdoor activities - Regular exercise, such as yoga, walking or running, not only improves physical fitness, but also mental fitness.
- Community involvement - participating in group outdoor activities can help combat the sense of isolation that often intensifies in the darker months.
- Adaptation of the home environment - Using antidepressant lamps and making sure the home environment is bright and pleasant can also alleviate SAD symptoms.
By taking these measures, we can better adapt to and benefit from seasonal changes, rather than suffering from their negative effects. Consciously communing with nature and its rhythms, especially in places like Sticks Forest of Possibilities, offers not only solace for the soul but also real health benefits, supporting our overall wellbeing throughout the year
And on top of all these benefits comes fun and imaginatively organised outdoor activities.
Autumn activities in the Forest of Possibilities on Sticks
The scientific world is full of studies on the benefits of outdoor physical activity. One such study was conducted by researchers from the University of East Anglia, who in their 2018 meta-analysis analysed data from more than 140 studies involving 290 million people from different parts of the world. The results, published in Environmental Research, indicated that exposure to green spaces such as forests and parks has been associated with long-term reductions in cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and premature death. In addition, study participants experienced less stress and improved mental health.
We love to combine such powerful benefits with fun and relaxation. That's why we've prepared a number of activities on Sticks. Here are some of them:
- Ninja Warrior track is about movement, fun and healthy competition. The Ninja Warrior track is ideal for those who are looking for a challenge and want to test their physical skills in a creative and exciting way. Set in a picturesque environment, this track combines strength and agility training that can help reduce stress and improve wellbeing.
- Nordic walking and running trails. For lovers of running and Nordic walking, Patyki offers numerous trails running through the beautiful native forest. Walking with Nordic walking poles is a great form of outdoor activity that helps to reduce tension and improve overall health.
- Gym overlooking nature. Within the complex, there is a gym equipped with modern training equipment, located in a room with a panoramic glass wall that offers a view of the surrounding nature. Exercising in such an environment not only allows for an effective body workout, but also for mental relaxation, giving you the benefit of a view of the green surroundings.
- Walking the dog. Sticks is a pet-friendly place where owners can take walks with their pets. Such walks are a great opportunity for outdoor activity accompanied by stress reduction and mood enhancement.
With all these activities available with us, you can fully enjoy the benefits of being outdoors regularly, according to numerous studies. This is the ideal place to combine pleasure with utility, taking care of your mental and physical health in nature.
Complete relaxation and health in the fresh air
In addition to the many opportunities for physical activity, there is no shortage of sweet relaxation here. Also in autumn. Perhaps it is precisely at this colder time of year that the open-air Jacuzzi is even cooler? And a sauna topped off with a bath in a barrel of cold water even more extreme? How about you?
Open-air Jacuzzi provides the ideal place to relax after an active day. The warm water and massaging bubbles help to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and promote recovery. Using the outdoor jacuzzi also allows you to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature, which has an additional positive effect on your emotional state, helping to reduce stress levels and improve your mood. Here, a forest bath has a double dimension!
Cold water barrel is the perfect complement to a sauna session. Stepping into the cold water right after a hot sauna is not only a refreshing experience, but also a great way to toughen up the body. The change in temperature helps to improve circulation, strengthens the immune system and also helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Regular sauna use and cold water immersion can also help to improve pain management and reduce feelings of fatigue.
These unique activities are not only a way to spend time in an interesting way, but above all they offer health benefits that integrate the body and mind with the natural rhythm of the surrounding nature. They enable complete relaxation and wellness, which is particularly valuable in today's busy world.
The importance of sunlight for health and well-being
Another extremely important aspect of nature, especially in autumn, is sunlight. It plays a key role in regulating our internal biological clock. Scientific research confirms that exposure to natural daylight influences the production of melatonin, a hormone that is not only responsible for regulating sleep and wakefulness cycles, but also affects our overall mood, mood and ability to concentrate and be effective during the day. This is why in autumn, when the days are getting shorter and the sun appears less frequently in the sky, it is particularly important to make a conscious effort to increase exposure to natural light.
The autumn months, despite being cooler and often cloudy, offer exceptional opportunities to enjoy the sunlight, especially during walks in the forest. Not only does the forest provide tranquillity and solace for the soul, but it also creates ideal conditions for absorbing the sunlight that shines through the trees. This form of outdoor activity can make a significant contribution to mood and health, especially at times when we are less exposed to sunlight.
Autumn on Sticks in the Forest of Possibilities is a special time when nature opens up its wealth of colours, sounds and sensations to us, inviting us to connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us. This is no ordinary season of rest, fun and relaxation; it is a space and time for true self-discovery, learning to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature that help us understand our place in the world. With us, every day brings a new adventure. Whether it's during leisurely walks through fallen leaves that rustle underfoot, or during more intense challenges on the Ninja Warrior track, each activity is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a state of deep relaxation, but also to break down your own barriers and discover new limits to your own abilities. And, of course, to have fun.
Don't let this golden season pass you by unnoticed! Discover how much joy, peace and invigorating experiences this special time can bring you. Adventure beckons, and autumn in the Sticks is waiting to offer you much more than you can imagine. We are waiting for you to experience the best that autumn has to offer!