Forest bathing is a wonderful practice that costs absolutely nothing but your own time and attention. Isn’t that incredible? The benefits are potentially immense. To give you a head start on what this practice is... and how to try it, we’ve condensed a very informative Time Magazine article below.
When you are ready to give it a shot, check out South Shore Trails for a new, quiet spot to explore. There are over 170+ trails listed for the South Shore.
What is Forest Bathing
In Japan, we practice something called forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku. Shinrin in Japanese means “forest,” and yoku means “bath.” So shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses.
This is not exercise, or hiking, or jogging. It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Shinrin-yoku is like a bridge. By opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world.
According to a study sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends 93% of his or her time indoors. But the good news is that even a small amount of time in nature can have an impact on our health. A two-hour forest bath will help you to unplug from technology and slow down. It will bring you into the present moment and de-stress and relax you. Numerous studies have shown that shinrin-yoku has real health benefits.
You can forest-bathe anywhere in the world – wherever there are trees; in hot weather or in cold; in rain, sunshine or snow. You don’t even need a forest.
How to Practice Forest Bathing
First, find a spot.
“When it comes to finding calm and relaxation, there is no one-size-fits-all solution – it differs from person to person. It is important to find a place that suits you. If you love the smell of damp soil, you will be most relaxed where the natural landscape provides it. Then the effects of the forest will be more powerful. Maybe you have a place in the countryside that reminds you of your childhood or of happy times in the past. These places will be special to you and your connection with them will be strong.”
Unplug.
It is very easy to say to simply leave your phone and camera behind - but that is potentially not realistic or safe. Instead, we recommend keeping that phone nicely charged and safely in your pocket 🙂
The phone can be a great aid in indirectly helping you unplug. If you have a hard time just sitting on a bench or taking in a nice vista, perhaps set a timer for 3-5 minutes and just enjoy your surroundings. It’s all about baby steps.
Get in touch with your senses.
“The key to unlocking the power of the forest is in the five senses. Let nature enter through your ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hands and feet. Listen to the birds singing and the breeze rustling in the leaves of the trees. Look at the different greens of the trees and the sunlight filtering through the branches. Smell the fragrance of the forest and breathe in the natural aromatherapy of phytoncides. Taste the freshness of the air as you take deep breaths. Place your hands on the trunk of a tree. Dip your fingers or toes in a stream. Lie on the ground. Drink in the flavor of the forest and release your sense of joy and calm. This is your sixth sense, a state of mind. Now you have connected with nature. You have crossed the bridge to happiness.”
(Source: Time Magazine and FOREST BATHING: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li, published on April 17, 2018 by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © Qing Li, 2018.)