About Forest Bathing
As you might know, Shinrin-Yoku, also known as Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy, is more than just a walk in the woods. It's about making a deep connection with the natural world. It’s about developing a kinship with nature. ‘Interacting’ with nature, plants, trees, leaves, and the soil. Getting to know nature can foster resilience, as well as enhance wellbeing. There is a growing body of evidence proving this. There are FIVE ‘pathways' identified to help us develop and deepen this connection.
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Meaning – Expressing and appreciating how nature brings meaning to our lives. Celebrating the mystery, messages and cycles of nature
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Senses – Exploring the natural world through sensory meditations such as feeling textures, listening to birdsong, noticing the scents in the air and tasting seasonal offerings gives the often-racing mind a rest
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Emotions – Cultivating a sense of awe and wonder in nature. Noticing how your feelings change when in natural surroundings and actively seeking to generate joy
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Compassion – Developing a kinship with the natural world leads to pro-nature behaviors that also benefit humans
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Beauty – Noticing the beauty that’s everywhere lifts the spirits and reduces stress and anxiety
The Many Benefits
Scientific research offers compelling evidence for the benefits of nature and forest bathing. This kind of slow, meditative time in nature is needed in our over-scheduled, on-the-go culture. It's also helpful for people who have health issues and have to slow down as they recover. It can be an important way to re-kindle our relationship with nature and awaken gratitude and wonder.
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Scientific studies show that nature and forest time can:
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Reduce blood pressure and stress
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Increase ability to focus
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Improve mood
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Accelerate recovery from surgery or illness
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Boost immune system
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Increase energy levels
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Improve sleep
History
One of the first modern practices of forest therapy, Shinrin-yoku, started in Japan in the 1980s, in response to Japan’s drastic increase in stress-related illnesses that occurred in conjunction with the economy’s tech boom. Shinrin-yoku translates to “forest bathing” or taking the forest in through your senses. The physiological benefits of forest bathing have been extensively studied and many media articles, like those in Time Magazine and National Geographic give great insights into the practice.
