How nature and outdoor time improve well being
- TJTHL McMaster
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
The Healing Power of Forest Bathing
With the season beginning to change and warmer weather approaching, many of us are eager to spend more time outdoors. It is important to understand the significance of this connection to nature, let’s dive into the practice of forest bathing and why it might be the perfect way to recharge this season.
What is Forest Bathing?
The practice of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, refers to the process of finding solace and rejuvenation through connection with nature.
Forest bathing was introduced in 1982 as a form of preventative health care. It encourages people to immerse themselves in mindful engagement with the forest environment.
How and Where to Practice Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing does not need elaborate rituals or specialized training.
It can be as simple as:
1) Find a spot: Spend time in natural settings. This can be any green area such as an urban park, a nature preserve, a trail through suburban woods, or even green spaces within bustling cities!
2) Mindfully engage all your senses: Immerse yourself in the forest's sights, sounds, and scents. This could look like the rustle of leaves in the breeze, the scent of blooming flowers, or the sight of sunlight through the branches.
“Let nature enter through your ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hands, and feet” - Dr. Li (Evans, 2018)
“In his new book, Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness, Japanese medical doctor and researcher Qing Li presents some sobering statistics: The average American spends 93 percent of the time indoors, and some ten hours a day on social media—more than they spend asleep.” (Evans, 2018)
3) Try different activities: For instance, try doing yoga, Tai Chi, or meditation in the woods. You could also take a picnic, write a poem, study plants, venture alone, or with a companion.
Fun fact, in Japan, forest walking therapists are even available!
4) Appreciate the silence: Silence is restorative, moving away from the constant noise of urban living can remind us that we are part of a larger whole and widen our scope of thinking. A forest can have its own healing sounds, movement of leaves, a trickle of water, and birdsong.
Benefits of Forest Bathing
Rigorous amounts of research show the physiological and psychological benefits of spending time in nature, particularly in forest environments.
Numerous studies demonstrate that forest bathing can lower cortisol levels and fatigue while boosting immune function, mood, and vigor. One study even showed that those who engaged in forest bathing had lower blood pressure and heart rates compared to those in urban environments. This has been linked to the exposure to higher concentrations of oxygen and plant chemicals.
Forest bathing also helps with mental and emotional well-being:
Stress relief and tranquility - alleviates symptoms of anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorders.
Interconnectedness - encourages a deeper connection with the natural world, nurturing feelings of awe, gratitude, and interconnectedness.
Cognitive Health - the presence of trees, vegetation, and open skies promotes relaxation and enhances cognitive function.
Incorporating forest bathing into your everyday routine can be a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with nature and yourself. So next time you catch yourself feeling overwhelmed, consider stepping outside and engaging with the natural world around you!
References
The healing power of forest bathing: A dive into Shinrin-yoku. MUSC Health. (n.d.). https://advance.muschealth.org/library/2024/july/forest-bathing
Evans, K. (n.d.). Why Forest Bathing is good for your health. Greater Good. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_forest_bathing_is_good_for_your_health