Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing is a very simple yet powerful concept that can do wonders for physical and mental wellbeing

What is Forest Bathing

15 Reasons to Practice Forest Bathing

13 Easy Steps To Practicing Forest Bathing

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What is Forest Bathing

The term Forest Bathing comes from the Japanese “Shinrin-Yoku.” Shinrin meaning “forest” and Yoku meaning “bath.” Made a foundation of Japan’s preventative healthcare and therapy in the 1980’s, Forest Bathing has now become popular across the world. It is the simple practice of immersing oneself in amongst the trees of a forest and fully taking in nature. It works through a combination of fitness and mindfulness and has many benefits for physical and mental wellbeing

“As soon as I set foot in a forest the green jumps into my eyes. And the scent of the trees and the soil. I can feel the life and energy exuding from the woods”

Mai Tanahashi

15 Reasons to Practice Forest Bathing

There are a number of physical and mental benefits to practicing forest bathing. Studies have found the benefits to include;

Boost the immune system (due to the release of the chemical phytoncides by trees and plants)
Reduced blood pressure
Lowered cortisol levels
Improved concentration
Recovery from illness
Improved memory
Increased relaxation levels
Reduced stress levels
A re-connection with nature
Remove the pressures of the modern world
Heightened awareness
Increased creativity
Higher levels of joy
Instilled feeling of freedom
Enhanced levels of calm & peace

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better”

Albert Einstein

13 Easy Steps to Practice Forest Bathing

Forest bathing is incredibly easy to practice. All you need is yourself and a forest. Some simple guideline steps below

Set aside some time, ideally 4 – 6 hours which you can spend totally uninterrupted
Find a good spot. It doesn’t have to be densely populated with trees however should be a natural setting containing trees and plants
Leave your mobile and any technological distraction behind
Do not have a goal in mind. There is no end goal in forest bathing
Be prepared to work with the forest as your partner
When you arrive, clear your mind. Leave all your troubles as you enter the forest
Move slowly and wander aimlessly – let your body take you where it wants to take you
Be alert to your senses – take time to really take in your surroundings – look at the colours of the leaves, the shapes of the trees, take in the smell of the forest, feel the ground beneath you
Pause for moments. find somewhere to sit and observe nature around you
Take some deep slow breaths in and out. Calm your body and mind
Don’t aim to get far, just a slow walk
Don’t try and push yourself to think or feel anything but what the forest provides
Try to spend at least an hour wandering in the forest