🌿 Forest Bathing 🌿
The healing power of Nature
Surely, you've heard of the positive effects of contact with nature and
it's health benefits - maybe you've even experieced it yourself in one
way or another. Although this concept is definitely not new, and many of
us instinctively look to nature for help in the mental ballance in our
buisy day-to-day chaos, we might not always be fully aware of how
important and trully powerful our surroundings can be.
If you,
like me, like to get educated on how to make the best possible use ouf
the simpliest and most pleasurable things in life - you might want to
get interested in
forest bathing.
What is forest bathing
In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries created the term shinrin-yoku, which translates to "forest bathing" or "absorbing the forest atmosphere". The practice encourages people to simply spend time in nature- no actual bathing required. It's also very low impact, which means you don't have to go for trail runs or do an intense hike. The goal of forest bathing is to live in the present moment while immersing your senses in the sights and sounds of a natural setting.
Does it work
There's a reason why the largest cities in the world have parks, trees,
and pockets of nature woven throughout their busy streets. One study by
the International Journal of Environmental Health Research found that
spending time in an urban park can have a positive impact on a person's
sense of well-being.
Aside from city parks, the more
in-depth practice of forest bathing has been found to lower blood
pressure, heart rates, and levels of harmful hormones - like cortisol,
which your body produces when stressed. This can help put you in a more
calm and relaxed state.
How to practice forest bathing
While the word "forest" is in the name of this practice, don't worry -
heading out to a heavily wooded area isn't required. You could take a
trip to a local park, your favorite nearby trail, the beach, a lake, or
any natural setting. Just be sure to turn off or silence your phone or
any other device. The key is to live fully in the moment while bathing
your senses in nature.
Once you've arrived at your
destination, take a few deep breaths and center yourself. Focus on what
your senses are taking in - whether it's the scent of clean ocean air or
a chorus of chirping birds.
Spend a few moments simply observing your surroundings. You could sit
and watch how the trees sway in the wind or you could walk around. If
you decide to walk, go at a leisurely pace and without a specific
destination in mind. It's important to let your mind and senses wander,
explore, and indulge.
Safety tip: Always pay
attention to your surroundings, stay on marked trails, and wear
appropriate gear (and don't forget to consider things like
sun protection,
allergies, and
insect repellents). You should also be aware of any potential dangers - like wild
animals or uneven ground. When possible, bring a buddy or let someone
know where you're going and for how long.
A good rule of thumb is to practice forest bathing for at least 20
minutes every day. If you don't have that much time to spare, that's OK.
Any amount of time you can spend outdoors enjoying fresh air and
sunshine is good. Plus, the goal of forest bathing is to relax and
detach - the practice shouldn't feel like a chore. It should be an
activity you look forward to and enjoy.
You could also tie your forest bathing practice to your journaling
routine for added health benefits. After each session, use your journal
to keep track of what you experienced or any thoughts you had while
immersed in nature. This is a good way to keep track of how the practice
is making you feel over time.