Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy is a forest immersion practice that is said to have healing benefits. Originating from Japan, the practice of Shin-rin-yoku” could promote positive emotional, mental and physical health.
Forest Bathing is not simply a walk through the trees. While it does include walking through nature, one is encourage to partake in mindfulness activities such as medication or yogic breathing to reap the benefits of the full experience.
Here are 5 reasons why you may wish to give this healing journey through nature a go.
- It Promotes Physical Health
Walking through the forest will entail getting your body moving. If you are not one for the gym or organised exercise, why not enjoy a stroll through nature?
Walking through wood land would not only ensure some measure of physical activity, it is also an exercise that would include beautiful scenery and fresh air.
It could also be the perfect opportunity to catch up with an old friend or family members in a peaceful setting.
2. It is Relaxing
A walk through the trees could be the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Instead of rushing from place to place amid honking cars and crowds, a stroll in the woods could be an opportunity to unwind and take some time out.
3. It could Help with your Mental and Emotional health
A walk in nature encourages one to be present with the surroundings. You open all your senses to the forest. You listen to the singing birds. You feel the gentle breeze on your face and the the warmth of the sun on your skin. You can hear the rustling of the leaves and simply be at one with nature.
Often, when one is focused simply on the present, it gives your mind a break from past or future stresses. You are in the moment, enjoying it for what it is.
4 You can Learn New Things
Walking through the woods could teach you so much about the living environment that we take for granted. From getting acquainted to the flora and fauna around you to getting to know the wildlife that call the woods their home, this sojourn with nature could truly be an enriching experience.
Being in the moment and enjoying it for what it is could also teach you something about yourself.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
Doesn’t forest bathing achieve both of these?
5. It could make you more Aware of your Surroundings
As you learn to appreciate the beauty the world has to offer, you might become more aware of the environment and the importance of safeguarding nature for future generations.
From gnarled old trees to delicate bushes, nature offers a certain type of magic that is free and worth fighting for.
6. It Forces you to take a Break
When one is stuck in the rat race, it can be difficult to check out. By taking yourself away from your daily routine and putting yourself in a different setting (such as the woods) forces you to take a proper and much-needed break.
To be drowned out by chirping crickets surrounded by trees is not the most conducive environment to check your emails or jump on a conference call.
In other words, forest bathing could give you the much needed break that you would otherwise never take.
