Forest bathing is the practice of creating calm for your mind, body, and life through nature. By training the 5 senses we derive a range of benefits for our physical, mental, emotional, and social health. The Japanese word for forest bathing is Shinrin-yoku – ‘Shinrin’ means forest and ‘Yoku’ stands for bathing. In essence, it means immersing in the forest to becoming one with it.
After years of careful studies the Japanese came up with the concept of Forest Bathing in the 1980’s. Shinrin Yoku has proven to be a very effective tool in overcoming the negative effects of our modern lifestyles. Through a guided set of activities in the forest, we create inner calm, plant good health, and deepen our bonds with others.
Forest Bathing allows the stressed portions of your brain to relax. Positive hormones are released in the body. You feel less sad, angry and anxious. It helps to avoid stress and burnout, and aids in fighting depression and anxiety. A forest bath is known to boost immunity and leads to lesser days of illness as well as faster recovery from injury or surgery. Nature has a positive effect on our mind as well as body. It improves heart and lung health, and is known to increases focus, concentration and memory.
An intangible outcome of forest bathing with groups is improved relationships and better social health. Something that we know intuitively is now getting scientific proof and validation through research.
Certain trees like conifers also emit oils and compounds to safeguard themselves from microbes and pathogens. These molecules known as Phytoncides are good for our immunity too. Breathing in the forest air boosts the level of natural killer (NK) cells in our blood. NK cells are used in our body to fight infections, cancers and tumors. So spending time with these tree is a special form of tree bathing.
How To Forest Bathe
You can practise forest bathing in any safe nature space. The main principles are to go in silence and go slow. Use your senses to find things in nature that bring you peace and happiness. Through nature connection activities and sense exercises, you can alter your mood and energy levels resulting in a host of benefits. Recommended time for forest bathing is at-least 2 hours a week.
