Forest Bathing – an easy and effective strategy to improve wellness!
Have you ever noticed that you often feel better after having been outside?
Whether it is sitting quietly on your back deck or on an active hike, a growing body of research suggests that time outdoors and in nature has a positive effect on our mind as well as on our body.
Though this is not a new concept….Forest bathing or shinrin-yoku (Shinrin in Japanese means “forest” and yoku means “bath”) was developed in Japan back in the 1980’s and has continued to gain popularity due to its many diverse health benefits with relatively easy access.
In its truest sense, forest bathing is a combination of exercise and mindfulness. It encourages you to slow down and interact with nature (whether that be in your garden, a nearby park, or a forest) with all your senses. It is a personal experience, with no right or wrong way to participate. It can be guided or self-guided, with a destination in mind or with more of a ‘go with the flow’ experience.
Shinrin-yoku is suitable for any level of fitness. You don’t even need a forest. Once you have learned how to do it, you can do shinrin-yoku anywhere – in a nearby park or in your garden. Find some green and fresh air and you are set up for the experience as you choose. Be sure to engage the five senses by smelling the air and the flora, see reflections in the water or window pane, feel the breeze or the warmth of the sun, hear the birds and touch the leaves.
The good news is that even a small amount of time in nature can have an impact on our health. Unplugging from technology and slowing down allows you to be in the present and step away from the stresses of the day.
Some benefits of Forest Bathing:
Allows you to switch off unwanted thoughts and feel less angry, anxious and sad.
Mitigate feelings of stress and burnout.
Get better sleep and rest.
Focus on peace in the present moment.
Create time to find answers for important questions and decisions.
Can work toward lowering blood pressure and increasing focus.
And all of this without having to wear a bathing suit! With the good weather upon us, see what forest bathing can do for you.
Tips for beginners:
Turn off electronic devices to give yourself the best chance of relaxing and enjoying a sensory forest-based experience.
Slow down. Move slowly so you can see and feel more.
Take long breaths deep into the abdomen. Extending the exhalation of air to twice the length of the inhalation sends a message to the body that it can relax.
Stop, stand, or sit and smell what’s around you. What can you smell?
Check out the following links for inspiration to take a dip!
https://www.hellobc.com/stories/top-5-places-to-experience-the-rainforest-in-bc/
https://www.amazon.ca/Forest-Bathing-Trees-Health-Happiness/dp/052555985X
Best Hikes in British Columbia - https://www.alltrails.com/canada/british-columbia
Best Walks in British Columbia - https://www.alltrails.com/canada/british-columbia/walking
References:
Global Wellness Institute - www.globalwellnessinstitute.org
Forestry England - https://www.forestryengland.uk/blog/forest-bathing