Forest Bathing is intentionally creating an immersive experience amongst the trees. It provides a slew of benefits to the mind, body & soul. You have most likely engaged in this practice without even knowing. The walking and feelings of relaxation offer various health benefits.1 This is also why forest bathing is also known as forest therapy. Forest bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice,”shinrin-yoku” which translates as “taking in the medicine or atmosphere of the forest.” While forest bathing gained popularity in the 1980s in Japan, it is now gaining more following.
Essentially created in response to the rise in autoimmune disease and high levels of work stress, forest bathing has become an eco-friendly, healthy antidote to our tech-drenched realities.
Why should I forest bathe?
So you are wondering how in the world is the practice of spending time in a dense, green environment beneficial? When you set aside the time in the lush presence of the natural green world to “be” your mind and body are nourished. Below are just a few of the perks of taking time to get into the forest.
Stress Relief & Mindfulness
A top benefit of taking a walk in nature is unplugging from screens. It is safe to say that when we turn to nature, we turn off worry and obsessive thinking. Instead, we are winding down and allowing ourselves time to recharge and appreciate the moment.
Forest bathing automatically involves mindfulness. We can achieve a state of mindfulness through our multi forms of meditation but also through everyday living. During forest bathing, we are heightening our senses, suspending judgment, and focusing on the present “now.”
One thing that everybody has at least a little bit of indeed stresses! I personally am always on the hunt for things to bring me more peace and minimize my cortisol levels. The positive effects of forest bathing are becoming easier to identify. In a recent study, participants who consistently walked through forests showed signs of having lower blood pressure.
Other scientific research has shown that forest bathers showed data of reduced stress hormones such as adrenaline in their bodies. Forest bathing has been proven to help not just a temporary stressful situation but also chronic stress. In fact, along with other stress management tools, forest bathing is becoming an increasingly popular stress reduction method. Psychologists are even recommending forest therapy to decrease the risk of psychosocial conditions.
Tree Oil
Little Science lesson here! Trees and plants emit a substance called phytoncide. This essential oil preserves plants and trees from insects and germs. Their antimicrobial properties may influence immunity.
“Breathing in forest air increases the level of natural killer (NK) cells in our blood. Our body uses these NK cells to combat infections and cancers. One Japanese study showed a rise in the number and activity of these NK cells by people who forest bathe.3 In addition to affecting immune system function, phytoncides improve sleep, lift mood and attention, and boost creativity.”
Sign me up, how do I start?
This process of returning to nature can bring you tranquility as well as a heightened state of sensory awareness. Within moments of entering a green space, your blood pressure stabilizes, your body relaxes, stress hormones decrease, muscle tension decreases, and health benefits begin to kick in.
Forest bathing requires a willful mindset. You are embarking on more of a laid-back, meditative experience. You are strolling through nature and not pressed about your time. You are engaging all of your senses. You are noticing the sensations that appear and how you’re connecting to the natural world. Choosing to go on a speedy walk through nature and rushing through the activity to get back to work, obviously, may not be as effective. Nor is it advised to play loud music or talk on the phone as you walk. Try to remember to forest bathe as often as possible for maximum benefits.
Remember Forest bathing is an easy way to relax and revitalize. We should learn to trust our bodies and our senses, and we go at our own pace. Forest bathing requires a commitment to a regular practice; it’s not a one and done and all your problems disappear. Self-discipline and self perseverance are all connected in the lessons we are learning here. Just some simple questions to ask yourself while in the forest are below.
- Do you feel your body as you walk?
- Can you breathe in the scent of the trees?
- Can you inhale and exhale deeply?
- Did you notice the sky above you and its shade of blue?
- Can you feel your connection to the forest?
