Ever heard of the expression, “Forest Bathing?” The practice originally comes from Japan. The term was coined in the early 1990s to help the Japanese people reduce stress and improve their overall health. Shinrin-Yoku, translated into English as ‘forest bathing‘, means taking in the forest atmosphere during a leisurely walk. Japanese medical researchers published reports that show how walking in a forest environment led to more significant reduction in blood pressure and stress hormones, than say, walking in an urban environment. Being in nature and in a forest helps us slow down and become immersed in the smells, sights, textures and sounds of nature. Trees are also good for reducing blood pressure because they release compounds, known as phytoncides, that reduce stress hormones and enhance white blood cells. The benefits of being in nature is not new, but the fact that our lives have changed dramatically to spending more time indoors, tethered to electronic devices—is new. Making it all the more important and critical for our mental, emotional and physical health to go outside and spend time in nature, in the forest, and amongst trees as much as possible.
Being in nature can restore our vitality, our energy, help our mood, and rejuvenate and refresh us.
All you need to do is: Leave your cell phone behind. Same with your camera. Leave behind your goals and expectations. Wander wherever you feel inclined to go. Be fully present in the moment. Look closely at the leaves, tree bark, branches and flowers along the way. Feel the air, smell the forest scents, touch the bark of a tree. Stop and listen to the sounds around you. Listen to the birds, the creak of the trees in the wind, and the animals that may be scampering across the forest floor. Be quiet for as long as you can, taking in everything around you.
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.” – Robert Frost
“There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations.” – Washington Irving
