You’d be forgiven for imagining a steaming hot tub, brimming with bubbles set against the beauty of magnificent trees or a skinny dip in a shimmering lake deep in the heart of a bluebell glade with squirrels skipping by and sunlight catching the water.
Whilst forest bathing could well involve many or even all those things, simply put, it’s about reaping the benefits of spending time in, and connecting with, nature. The term ‘forest bathing’ emerged from the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku in the 1980s, a practice that encourages individuals to immerse themselves in the beauty of natural surroundings to enhance physical and mental wellbeing.
Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese response to tech-related stress and burnout – sound familiar? By experiencing beautiful and calming natural environments, particularly forests, the benefits are plentiful. With a focus on mindful connections using the senses of sight, sound, touch and smell, it encourages a sense of slowing down and relaxation which can only be a positive for stress levels, reducing blood pressure and resting busy minds.
The forest environment also offers medicinal bounty in the form of airborne essential oils or phytoncides which serve as the natural defence mechanisms of the forest, warding off unwanted insects and germs. So not only is a wander through the trees good for the mind but also the inhalation of these wonderous natural oils can boost your immune system too. What’s not to love?
Not everyone is lucky enough to have easy access to a forest environment, but fear not, the benefits and experience of forest bathing can be replicated in many other forms of connection with nature. Gardening, botanical gardens, open fields, beaches or floral meadows, even a single tree can provide the opportunity for mindful connection.
As with many modern terms, forest bathing is viewed by some as a trend or a passing phase, I’m hoping this brief glimpse into its origins convinces you otherwise. It’s something we’ve all experienced since time immemorial, but as the world around us has evolved, it appears to have paled into insignificance.
Why not consciously reconnect with nature more often and reap the rewards.
Happy bathing!
PS I’d love to hear what your version of forest bathing looks like and how it impacts your wellbeing.
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