If you’re a nature-lover, you’ve probably experienced the powerful effect that spending time in the great outdoors can have on your well-being. But chances are, you’re not able to put into words exactly what that effect is.
Find out why the art of forest bathing is good for the body, mind, and soul and how you too can experience these benefits!
What Exactly is Forest Bathing, and Where Did It Start?
Japanese forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is the practice of spending time in nature in an intentional way. That doesn’t mean physically being in nature while your mind is elsewhere (as it so often is)! Rather, forest bathing is the idea of consciously taking in all the greenery around you with all your senses - letting it wash over you, as it were.
This concept of forest bathing has been promoted since the 1980s in Japan as a response to technology-induced burnout, but many cultures recognize the importance of nature for our well-being.
The idea that nature has healing properties goes back to the ancient practice of Ayurveda, which teaches that human health is dependent on our harmony with the natural elements of earth, air, water, fire, and ether. When we are disconnected from nature, then our bodies are out of balance, which can lead to a whole host of physical and emotional issues.
What are the Benefits of Spending Time in Nature?
Now that you know what forest bathing is, and a little bit about how different cultures view the healing properties of nature, let’s talk about what the specific benefits of forest bathing are. Here are the top four benefits of immersing yourself in nature regularly.
Being Immersed in Nature is Good for Psychological Health
Spending time amidst greenery has been shown to improve mood, help treat symptoms of depression, increase happiness, and even trigger empathy and compassion for others. Not only that, but it may also buffer the effects of social isolation! One study showed that proximity to nature improves overall well-being even for people with few social connections.
Being Immersed in Nature Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Spending quality time in nature has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. You’ve probably experienced the calming effect that a stroll outdoors can have on you. Some studies have even shown evidence of reduced stress hormones in people who engage in forest bathing regularly.
Being in Nature Can Improve Cognitive Functioning
It turns out exposure to nature helps your mind work better! Research has found a relationship between spending time in nature and cognitive functions such as improved attention, concentration, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.
Forest Bathing May Help Improve Physical Health
Research on the physical effects of connecting with nature is becoming more common. Studies have shown that forest bathing interventions can reduce blood pressure, lower pulse rate, encourage physical activity, and improve the quality of life for people with high blood pressure.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Forest Bathing
If you’re new to forest bathing, not to worry! Here are four easy steps to follow so you can try it on your own.
Block out enough time in your busy schedule - the point is to be unrushed, so this is not about taking a quick jog in the nearest park. Give yourself at least a couple of hours, even better half a day so that you can really unplug from the busyness of your routine.
Go to a forest (or bush as we like to say here in Australia) where you’ve never been or a new part of an area you’ve been to before. The newness may help awaken your senses as you take in a place you haven’t seen. It’s better to go alone so that you can focus inward, but if you prefer company then try to give one another space and avoid talking during the outing.
Walk into the woods and focus on each of your senses in turn; smell the fresh scent of the greenery and flowers. Listen for the birds chirping and insects whirring. Notice how the sunlight reflects off pools of water on the ground. Feel the texture of a beautiful tree by running your fingers over the bark, or let the soil sift through your fingers.
Find a place you’re drawn to and sit down. Perhaps a boulder next to a bubbling stream, or a shady clearing with a lovely view. Inhale deeply and take in the wonder around you. Notice the smallest details and life around you to help quiet your busy mind. Breathe in and breathe out as you bask in the beauty of the natural environment.
It’s as simple as that! Repeat steps 2 through 4 as many times as you like in different parts of the forest. And repeat this activity as often as you can for maximum benefits.
If you’re still not convinced…
Combining a Yoga and Meditation Retreat with Nature Offers Even More Benefits
If you feel like you need a bit of extra help to reap the benefits of forest bathing and are ready for a more profound and powerful experience, I have the perfect thing for you.
A yoga retreat is an opportunity to heal, rebalance the nervous system, and be intentional about spending time rebuilding your relationship with yourself, and with nature. At my upcoming Relax, Rejuvenate, Rejoice! Bali retreat, you will harness the power of nature to find inner calm in the stunning setting of the tropical isle of Bali.
Free from the usual distractions of technology and daily responsibilities, you will do powerful breathwork, meditation, yoga, and chanting to find your stillness. Together we will take intentional walks among the mountain plum pine trees native to the region so that you can experience the benefits of forest bathing firsthand.
This 8-day retreat could be just what you need to find inner calm and restore your relationship to the Self and with the natural environment. With nature as our backdrop, we will nourish our minds, bodies, and souls. I look forward to welcoming you.
Click here to find out all about it!
Om Shanti
Chetana