Forest Bathing- The Healing Nature of Trees 🌲🌳

Everyone knows how good being in nature can make us feel. We have known it for centuries. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air — these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us. But why exactly? What is this feeling that is so hard to put into words?

The phrase "forest bathing" originates from the Japanese practice called shinrin-yoku. Shinrin in Japanese means “forest,” and yoku means “bath.” Shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere; immersing oneself in the bountiful mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual benefits of nature.

Scientific studies have proven that forest bathing catalyzes increased parasympathetic nervous system activity which prompts rest, conserves energy, and slows down the heart rate while increasing intestinal and gland activity. When this system is triggered, cortisol and other stress hormones are released into the body.

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.

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. So, how does one go about this forest bathing? 

First, find a spot. Make sure you have left your phone and camera behind. You are going to be walking aimlessly and slowly. You don’t need any devices. Let your body be your guide. Listen to where it wants to take you. Follow your nose. And take your time. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get anywhere. You are not going anywhere. You are savoring the sounds, smells, and sights of nature and letting the forest in.

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 thesunlight filtering through the branches. Smell thefragrance of the forest and breathe in the natural aromatherapy.

I’m very fortunate to live on the West Coast of BC, where nature abounds, where trees are the size of skyscrapers, where sounds of the ocean waves roll in and out... But what if you live in a city setting, urban and noisy? Where do you go to find this sense of inner peace and calm?

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.
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. Once you have learned how to do it, you can do shinrin-yoku anywhere – in a nearby park or in your garden. Look for a place where there are trees and off you go!

Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, taste, and feel of nature! 

Allie xo 💕