One of the most effective prescriptions for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and improving overall health and wellbeing, can be found in nature.
Forest therapy, sometimes called forest bathing, is a practice inspired by the Japanese custom of Shinrin-Yoku, that originated in the 1980s when leaders in Japan noticed a dramatic increase in workers reporting stress-related illnesses.
The Japanese name, shinrin-yoku, can be directly translated into the English words “forest” and “bath.” This exercise, as its name suggests, involves immersing yourself in nature and connecting to your surroundings through sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.
Therapeutic effects of forest bathing
Forest bathing is not only a relaxing and peaceful activity to partake in, but it also has many therapeutic effects. Spending time in a forest can provide individuals with significant psychological and physiological improvements such as anxiety, stress relief, decreased blood pressure and heart rate, pain management, and improvements in certain mood disorders.
Additionally, scientific studies have identified that forest bathing may result in improved immune function. This increased immune response is thought to be caused by human inhalation of natural chemicals released by plants, called phytoncides, which are emitted by trees in order to protect themselves from germs and pathogens.
Forest therapy
Forest therapy uses the act of forest bathing to target specific psychological and physiological health issues. Forest therapy practitioners work with the forest in order to help individuals connect with nature and experience the benefits nature provides. This type of treatment often works well in addition to standard treatments that are prescribed for specific illnesses.
How to forest bathe
There are a few simple steps you can take in order to get the most out of your forest bathing experience
Find a wooded area suitable to forest bathing. Some examples include a nearby park, hiking trail, secluded forest, or even your backyard.
Leave unnecessary and distracting belongings behind.
Slow down your movements. Let your body guide you, whether that means meandering through the forest or taking a moment to rest and be still.
Use your five senses to focus on your surroundings. Take mental note of the birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind. Feel the forest floor beneath your feet and smell the earthy scents that surround you. Engage with the natural elements that attract your attention.
You can make use of these steps if you wish to partake in forest therapy on your own or with a designated forest therapy program near you. Take note of how you feel before and after your forest bathing experience. You may find that you benefit significantly and want to incorporate it into your self care and wellness routine.
In the end, Forest Therapy and Forest Bathing helps us to connect with nature and with our own bodies, and there is plenty of evidence that both of these activities help us cope with stress and feel better. Go and enjoy whatever time that you can afford to spend in the natural world.
Remember that Forest Therapy can be done in any small wooded area. You don’t need to drive a long distance or make it a difficult chore to get there. Finding ways to engage in nature near to your home and on a regular basis is more important.