Forest Bathing
Have you even notice how begin outside can help you feel more grounded? Although not a new idea or concept a form of ecotherapy, forest bathing, emerged from Japan in the 1980’s as a way to help individuals recharge in nature. This approach has been used to help alleviate burnout, anxiety, depression, as well as help individuals to be more intentional and mindful in the moment.
So what is forest bathing exactly? Forest bathing (or shinrin-yoko in Japanese) involves simply being in nature. It is not about hiking, running, or exercise but more about allowing yourself to be immersed in your environment outside and away from technology and other daily distractions. You provide yourself an opportunity to connect with nature through your sense of sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch.
In the world that we live in now, it is extremely difficult (if not damn near impossible) to fully disconnect from all technology. Not only do daily demands require the use of technology, but we have also learned to rely on those devices as ways to decompress and escape. But at what cost? Our bodies are not designed to be connected all the time. The back light of our devices takes a toll on our eyes and our brain, causing headaches. We are too informed in what is going on in the world, which can fuel anxiety and depression. And most importantly, we are further disconnected from one another. Do you find yourself sitting in the same room as your partner or friends and everyone is on their phone?
Forest bathing allows individuals to reconnect; two hours in nature can help to unplug from technology and bring a mind/body connection that is often lost throughout the day. It is more than simply going for a walk in the park. The first thing to do is leave your phone/camera/devices at home and go find a spot to begin. Allow your body to be your guide and listen to where it wants to take you.
Perhaps this involves walking through the woods, listening to the birds and following the smell of the forest. It could also be allowing yourself to lay in the grass and feel your skin touching the earth. You can close your eyes or leave them open, exploring all of different colors and shapes around you. You can practice breathing techniques, eat a nutritious meal, meditate, or simply be still.
One of the beautiful things about forest bathing is that you can make it your own and every time you do this, it will be different. Our bodies and minds need different layers of support every day, so this is a good opportunity to deepen your connection and awareness with your body.
Although you can go out and do any of this at any time during the year, rain or shine, with the weather becoming friendlier, perhaps it is a nice invitation to try something new and see what benefits you may receive. Feel free to do this solo or with someone else. However, if you are accompanied by someone, try and allow yourself to be present in the environment and not distracted by each other; you both can share your experiences together afterwards!
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash