In our extremely contemporary and technology-driven society, people are finding themselves feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, and burnt out. Consequences of stress can range from physical health problems (including obesity, cardiovascular disease, immune disorders, and many others) to mental health problems (including mood issues, anxiety, and sleep disturbances). While medication can be a very important part of a person’s treatment plan, many individuals are also looking to add research-based lifestyle changes or natural activities to enhance their wellbeing. Enter: forest bathing.
What Is Forest Bathing?
“Shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing,” is a concept that originated in Japan around the 1980s to help combat stress. It is about as “natural” of a treatment as you can find. Forest bathing involves immersing yourself in a forestry setting, without any real goal other than to soak up the experience and be present – not to be combined with exercise, socializing, or any other activities. It is a calm and meaningful activity, a time to connect with nature using all of your senses.
Examples of Connecting With Your Senses
- Sight: Have you ever stopped to admire the beauty of a sunset? Think of the emotions you felt, the sense of calm, curiosity, and wonder that came over you. When forest bathing, you take in all the sights of the landscape and the colors around you, without rushing to go to the next activity.
- Smell: Notice the smells of the leaves, dirt, and trees. Bonus: Did you know research has shown an increase in the cells of our immune system from the scents of trees?
- Hearing: Listen to the chirping of the birds and the rustling of the wildlife. Or, enjoy the silence!
- Touch: Feel the earth beneath your shoes, the sun on your shoulders, and the soft breeze cooling you off.
- Taste: That refreshing sip of your water or the taste of fresh rainfall in the air.
Really soak it all in!
In colder climates or when otherwise needed, natural elements such as plants, landscape pictures, or fountains can be incorporated indoors as well. Indirect nature therapy or representations of nature can also still produce positive effects.
Can Forest Bathing Really Help?
A plethora of studies have shown positive benefits from time spent in nature, with improvements in several body systems, including cardiovascular, immune, endocrine, and in mental health. Research has shown:
- decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and salivary cortisol, suggesting lower stress levels;
- decreased levels of cytokines, demonstrating a decrease in inflammation (considered a root cause in many disease states);
and even lowered blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. - Reductions in pain, depression, anxiety, and irritability have also been reported through assorted studies, in addition to improvements in attention and insomnia.
In Summary:
As our modern lives become increasingly hectic and technological, the practice of forest bathing offers a compelling return to our roots—literally. This therapeutic immersion in nature stands as a powerful antidote to the stress and disconnection in today’s society. By simply being present in a forest environment, engaging all senses without the pressures of productivity or distraction, individuals can experience profound benefits across both physical and mental health.
In a world where many seek holistic approaches to well-being, forest bathing emerges not as a mere trend but as a researched-backed lifestyle enhancement—one that resonates with our fundamental human need for harmony with nature. By embracing this practice, individuals may discover not only improved health outcomes but also a renewed appreciation for the therapeutic power of our planet’s green spaces. As we navigate the complexities of modern existence, perhaps the path to wellness lies not in further technological advancement but in rediscovering and honoring our innate relationship with the natural world. Lau Tzu states, “what is deeply rooted in nature cannot be uprooted”. Let’s return to our roots!