Forest Bathing Benefits
Today I want to take a bit of time to talk about forest bathing benefits. Forest bathing is an easy method to relieve tension. While stress is a normal part of life, too much stress may be harmful to your mind, body and soul. Stress can cause depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms such as aches and pains. So, what exactly is forest bathing?
What is forest bathing?
- Forest bathing is a Japanese relaxing technique known as shinrin yoku.
- Shinrin-yoku, translates as “forest bathing” or “absorbing the forest environment.”
- It was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in 1982.
- The technique encourages individuals to spend time in nature without actually getting undressed 😉
- Forest Bathing benefits are profound but the practice itself, has a minimal impact. There is no need to go on strenuous trail runs or hikes.
Being peaceful and quiet amid the trees, watching nature around you, and breathing deeply may assist both adults and children de-stress and promote health and wellness in a natural way.
Forest Bathing Benefits:
- Forest bathing activities is a relaxing practice for both adults and children. Apart from relieving stress it can help to develop attention and mindfulness
- Spending time surrounded by trees reduces tiredness, boosts the immune system, has antiviral and anti-carcinogenic properties, and speeds up recovery from surgery or sickness.
- It Controls the endocrine (hormonal) system.
- Lowers blood glucose levels, which has an impact on obesity and diabetes.
- Improves the ability to relax and sleep better Increases energy
Forest Bathing Guidelines:
- Be wary of the presence of brambles and stinging nettles, as well as beehives and other natural forces. Always pay attention to your surroundings, remain on marked pathways, and wear suitable clothing.
- Whenever possible try to bring a friend along or let someone know where you’re going and how long for
Beginner’s Guide to Forest Bathing:
Here are some tips to get you get the most forest bathing benefits out of this beautiful meditation practice:
- Turn off your electronics to maximize your chances of resting, being aware, and having a sensory forest experience.
- Slow down and pay attention to your environment with all of your senses.
- Be mindful of your breathing, but don’t force it.
- gaze at the little things of nature
- Look up into the tree canopy, watch the branches move, and listen to the leaves rattle.
- Take a deep breath and let yourself to be immersed in woodland serenity.
- Look at what you see, listen at what you hear, smell what you smell, and feel what you feel.
- Repeat as many times as possible, and pay notice to any improvement in your mood.
- Stay as long as you can, starting with a reasonable time restriction and gradually increasing to the recommended two-hour duration
- Make forest bathing a new experience every time by looking at your surroundings with fresh eyes or taking a new walking path.
- Use your journal to keep track of your experience or thoughts you had while immersed in nature
If you are not able to go out into nature you can still enjoy at least some of the forest bathing benefits by listening to my magical forest guided meditation which is available on all major podcasting services as well as Spotify and PlayerFM or accessible from my guided meditation page.
You can also learn to release stress and tension with energy healing by booking your seat in my free reiki course.