No, “forest bathing” does not mean washing yourself in the depths of the nearest forest. Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a term established by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture around 1982. It’s the act of absorbing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest or the canopy of nature. Simply, it’s the practice of spending more time in nature and less time in the busy cauldron of life. Forest bathing encompasses any activity that is spent outside and allows you to connect back with the Earth and the present moment. The sights and sounds of nature allow us to unplug from the digital world and reconnect with ourselves as individuals.
Have you ever wondered why the world’s largest cities incorporate parks, trees, and gardens into their architectural designs? It’s because simply enjoying time in urban parks can lead to positive benefits for a person’s state of mind and well-being. These positive benefits include things like lowering your blood pressure or heart rate, and producing less cortisol (a harmful hormone produced when stressed). “Bathing in the forest” means time spent in a calm, relaxed environment.
So, how do you practice forest bathing? You can visit your local park. You can find a nearby trail to run, hike, or walk. You can take a trip away from the city and into the wilderness. The point of forest bathing is to turn off the distractions and worries of your life and bathe your senses in nature. Take a few deep breaths and center yourself once you’ve arrived in the “forest” of your choosing. Remember to focus on what your senses are feeling – do you smell the fresh ocean air, or hear the birds echoing around you? It’s amazing how simply observing your surroundings will allow you to fully appreciate them. Finally, it’s important to allow your mind and senses to wander, while you lose yourself in the moment.
You may wonder, how much time is enough? The Wall Street Journal spoke with Gretchen Daily, an American environmental scientist at Stanford, who thought that “it would take ‘a really immersive experience’ in nature to produce a significant benefit.” However, as research, she assigned 45-minute walks to each of two groups. One group walked through the hills, the other down a busy, but still tree-lined thoroughfare. ‘I was shocked,’ she says. On a series of cognitive tests afterward, ‘there was a massive difference.’” Evidence shows that even less than an hour spent outside can result in an elevated mood, increased creativity, and a better ability to improve memory. Even spending time in your own backyard surrounded by trees, animals, or flowers can improve your well-being. If you find it difficult to make time for yourself outside, consider introducing plants inside your home. Having plants or flowers around the home or office improves the environment and reduces stress, as plants eliminate harmful toxins from the air.
To sum it all up, spend more time outside and surrounded by nature. The physical, mental, and emotional benefits are incalculable. If you’re short on time, try spending just half an hour taking a walk or sitting in the sunshine. Turn off your phone to allow yourself the ability to connect your senses with your surroundings. You’ll begin to notice your mood shifting towards a more positive place as you enjoy the beauty of this planet once again!