Forest Bathing Therapy (Shinrin-yoku): The Complete Guide to Better Health
Japan is well known for its culture of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku), which is the practice of spending time in natural surroundings.
The Japanese believe that even a short period of time in nature can have profound effects on physical and mental health.
Studies show that there are benefits to both our mental and physical health when we spend time in nature, but it’s important to know what you are actually doing when you go for a walk outside.
With this guide, you will learn about forest bathing therapy, the steps involved in the process, and what to do if forest bathing isn’t your cup of tea!
What is forest bathing?
Forest bathing is a popular Japanese activity that combines both physical and spiritual practices. It consists of spending time in natural surroundings such as forests, mountains, rivers, or fields. It encourages people to take part in (you guessed it!) walking through forests.
According to forest bathing therapy, the act of spending time in nature has a positive effect on our mental and physical health because of the calming effects it can have on our minds and bodies.
Studies show that there are benefits to both our mental and physical health when we spend time in nature, so you might want to try it out for yourself!
It’s said that exposure to these environments can reduce levels of stress and anxiety, and improve immune system function. Yeah!
Research has shown that living in nature improves our mood and lowers blood pressure. It also helps to decrease feelings of depression and anxiety.
Beside the many mental benefits it provides, forest bathing offers many physical benefits as well. Spending time outside can help reduce symptoms of allergies, improve sleep quality, increase energy levels, and reduce inflammation.
You could do this for relaxation purposes or to get prayerful after a tough day at work.
The Steps Involved in Forest Bathing Therapy
A forest is defined as an area of land where trees and other plants grow. It’s important to note that the term “forest” doesn’t always mean a natural environment.
The process starts with finding a forest or woodland setting that feels right for you.
This may be hard if you live in an urban area because it’s common to see this type of environment destroyed through construction and pollution. In order to find what you need for your therapy session, try following these steps:
- Determine your desired activity (for example: meditation)
- Find the appropriate place (for example: walking paths)
- Consider how long you would like your session to last (for example: 15 minutes)
- Consider the climate (for example: if it’s too hot outside, take shelter from the sun with trees nearby)
Make sure that you are fully prepared before you go out of doors: dress warmly and carry whatever tools or supplies that can help keep yourself safe while outdoors (a flashlight, hiking boots). Once that’s done, set aside some time for yourself before heading out into nature.
How to Have a Healthy Forest Bathing Experience
It’s important to remember that forest bathing is not a quick fix for physical and mental health. The practice of forest bathing involves a lot of different steps, many of which can take time to develop. In order to get the most out of your session, it’s important that you are in tune with your body and mind during the entire process.
Forest bathing involves getting outside into nature, spending time in the natural setting, and focusing on your breathing. You might even experience some light meditation or other relaxation techniques when you go for a walk in the woods.
When you have found a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed by cars or other people nearby, you will be able to better appreciate what’s going on around you as well as relax more easily.
Sit down on the ground with your eyes closed and focus on deep breathing; breathe deeply in through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth until your mind is becoming more peaceful.
What if I’m Not a Nature Person?
The best part about forest bathing is that you don’t have to spend time outside to benefit! Some people prefer the indoors or a different setting, such as a garden. But no matter where you decide to go for your forest bath, it’s important to remember that there are three main steps to the process.
The first step is achieving balance in your life and finding what makes you happy. This can be done by taking inventory of your current situation and asking yourself what makes you feel fulfilled.
Next, consider how you would like to spend your leisure time and choose an activity suited for you. For example, if you want to decrease stress but still get some exercise, going for a walk outside without any equipment might be perfect for you.
The final step is actually entering into nature itself — find a natural area where you can engage in your chosen activity with relative ease.
The Ancient Practice For Better Health
In Japan, forest bathing has been used as a part of traditional medicine to help with prevention and healing of diseases related to stress and physical illness.
With so many benefits and such little risk involved, it’s easy to see why it’s important for businesses, organizations, and individuals all over the world to spend time in natural spaces. If you need help crafting a plan for taking those first steps into forest bathing, then the online forest bathing course recommended by Child On a Cloud will give you all the information you need!
Whether you’re looking for a healthy hobby or looking to improve your health, there are tons of ways to enjoy forest bathing!
(With insights from https://childonacloud.com )
