What is Forest Bathing?

No, forest bathing does not involve taking a bath in the woods. Nor does it involve strenuous activity. Rather, it is a slow, relaxing stroll that gives time and space to open your senses and draw attention to the intricate world around you.

Have you ever noticed that when you’re in nature you tend to feel more calm, content and happy? 

It turns out there’s research and data to back up our intuition that spending time outdoors is good for us. ‘Shinrin-yoku’, a practice that originated in Japan in the 1980’s, translates in English as ‘forest bathing’ or being immersed in the forest atmosphere. The practice was initiated by the Japanese government as a way to counter the burnout and negative health symptoms many people were experiencing as a result of moving from natural, rural areas to cities for computer based, desk jobs. Scientific research conducted in the forests of Japan and later around the world, discovered there are quite a few health benefits to the practice. They include:

  • Reduced stress, heart rate and blood pressure

  • Improved concentration, creativity and mood

  • Boosted immune system and natural killer cells

Forest bathing provides an opportunity to dis-connect from the over whelm and stress of daily life, to heal, and to re-connect with oneself and the natural world.

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “In the woods we return to reason and to faith.”

Let nature guide you to wholeness once again. If you choose to walk with me, you will find forest bathing to be a restorative practice of mindfulness and self care.

The Healing Forest

Lush green spaces and active time outside were once integral to our ancestors way of life. But in today’s world, green spaces are often replaced by urban, sterile environments and time outdoors is replaced by sedentary time in front of screens.

As a society, our bodies and our minds are constantly taxed by the endless distractions presented by new technology and the digital world. As a result, we have seen a rise in chronic illnesses, stress, depression, anxiety, burnout and other ailments. Along with a rise in personal mental and social health challenges like apathy, anger, addictions, intolerance, and loneliness.

When we’re hurting, feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, healing in nature can yield surprising results. Watch this 5 minute film from healingforest.org to learn how.