During these crazy times it is more important than ever to spend some much needed time outdoors taking in nature. We are all feeling cooped up and more than a little stressed and now is the perfect time to get out into the forest and do a little bit of forest bathing. That is what I have begun to do on most weekends.
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If you have been lacking energy, unable to focus, or feeling stressed, I highly recommend that you give forest bathing a try. Physical fitness is not necessary for forest bathing, nor is it necessary to be an avid hiker. Forest bathing is suitable for everyone, young and old alike.
Just One Tip: Forest bathing is most beneficial when done alone as there will be less distractions
What is Forest Bathing?
For those of you who are unfamiliar with forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoko, it was developed in Japan as recently as the 1980’s and has quickly become Japan’s primary preventative and healing medicine. After giving forest bathing a try, I can understand why!
The primary goal of forest bathing is to connect with nature through our senses. Isolating each sense, one at a time and putting all of our focus on each sense individually. We have to ditch the cellphone, and selfies are definitely out of the question. In fact, this is one adventure that I strongly urge that you do solo so that you are able to take in the full experience.
Benefits of Forest Bathing
The main benefit of forest bathing is to connect with nature which in turn helps to lower stress levels and provide a calming effect. It is also thought that it helps to reduce blood pressure and lower your heart rate, and boost the immune system, which in turn will help to accelerate recovery from illness.
Have I piqued your interest yet? If so, keep on reading, as I am about to tell you how it works.
It is not necessary to be physically fit in order to reap the benefits of forest bathing, as the slower the pace, the more focused you will become.
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How Does Forest Bathing Work?
If you are wondering how forest bathing works, I can tell you that it is more difficult than it seems. In today’s society, we are always rushed and pay very little attention to our surroundings. While forest bathing it is important that we engage all five of our senses, focusing on one sense at a time. The more engaged and focused we are, the larger the benefits that we will gain from forest bathing. So let’s see how forest bathing works, broken down by each sense.
Related: Explore Cheltenham Badlands: A Geological Gem
Sight
Focus on truly seeing your surroundings. The colour of the water. The type of trees. The different textures of the vegetation. The various colours surrounding you, ensuring that you are digesting every bit of beauty that you see.
Sound
Close your eyes and listen to the sounds. Can you hear the trees rustling in the wind? Or the soft sounds of the water rippling, and washing up against land? Do you hear birds chirping. You may even hear the far away sound of an owl calling.
Touch
Pick up different types of leaves, a pine cone, sticks, or anything else you can find. Close your eyes and focus on the texture of the item you are holding. Is it rough? Smooth? Sharp? Prickly?
Smell
Now close your eyes and focus on the various different smells of the forest. I have always found that the strongest smell was that of the trees, especially the pine needles. I have also discovered that the sense of smell becomes much stronger as night falls, as this is the only sense that we have to guide us as we walk through the forest.
Taste
You may wonder how you use the sense of taste in a forest. When you are really focused on the sense of taste, you can actually taste the air, whether it be the light breeze or the taste of the pine needles which fill the air. Depending on the type of vegetation found in the particular forest you are in, you may even be able to consume some of the leaves or berries.
So….there you have it! This is what forest bathing is all about. I have found it to be such a de-stressor, that I have begun to do it at least once a month.
“Into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul”
John Muir
Give it a try! It literally will bring each of your senses to life like you have never experienced before. I am anxious to know your thoughts and how forest bathing worked for you.
HAPPY FOREST BATHING:)
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SHARE THE LOVE
Wow! I have never heard of forest bathing before. This is indeed a unique concept to enjoy and experience nature. Here in my city, we have only concrete forests. We actually crave for some greenery. But now I am surely going to give forest bathing a try whenever I am near any forest. Thanks for introducing this to us.
You’re welcome. It’s a form of medicine in Japan
What a cool thing forest bathing seems to be. I have always felt at peace in the woods taking in the sights, smells, and sounds. Never knew I was forest bathing then. But it really helps.
It sure does!
Forest bathing. An interesting concept. We take a lot of walks in the forest when we’re in Alaska and try to fit it in when we’re in other places too. It seems that really, forest bathing is just slowing your walk down and taking it all in, a little at a time. I think we can all use a little of that in our lives. Especially if we are having lots of stress. I really love the photos in your post.
That’s exactly what it is
Focus on one sense at a time
I love how you tied in all the senses. It makes you appreciate your surroundings. There is so much beauty in nature.
There really is. It’s amazing how much we actually miss when not focusing 100% on our surroundings.
Well-timed post for the long weekend Kelly. Luckily we can still head outdoors once a day for exercise here in Sydney and as the beaches are closed, heading to the bush is a great idea. I hope you can enjoy some relaxing forest bathing over the next few days. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
I’m hoping too. Most of our trails are closed as well as the beaches but I plan on finding somewhere.
How interesting, would never have thought of forest bathing before, but it sounds so relaxing. I think the sight, sound, smell, and touch would be simple sense to real in on. The taste sounds so much harder to feel, especially when you cant eat something to taste it. I would be a little worried I picked the wrong leaf to make tea with it.
How interesting, would never have thought of forest bathing before, but it sounds so relaxing. I think the sight, sound, smell, and touch would be simple sense to real in on. The taste sounds so much harder to feel, especially when you cant eat something to taste it. I would be a little worried I picked the wrong leaf to make tea with it.
It is surprising how much you are missing when you aren’t specifically focusing on each sense. I even find that when I’m in the woods, I can taste even without eating. Especially if there are pine trees.
That is so interesting, I could never imagine tasting something without eating it. Next time I am in the wilderness, I will have to give it a go a think.
Yes do! It’s amazing how much we miss when we’re out in nature.