What Is Forest Bathing & How Does It Help?

Forest bathing gives you an opportunity to destress and reconnect with the nature

When was the last time you spent time in the forest? 

With growing urbanisation and technology seeping deep into our lives, 

we are growing increasingly distant from nature. We are also witnessing a rise in mental health issues, 

with stress and anxiety becoming increasingly intrinsic to modern life. 

This is where forest bathing can help. And no, 

it doesn’t mean you literally have to bathe in the forest.

Forest bathing as a term first emerged in the 1980s in Japan, 

where it’s called shinrin-yoku (shinrin means forest and yoku means bathing). 

It basically means taking some time out to spend in nature and letting yourself be absorbed by it. 

When you let yourself lose amid nature, 

all the stress and anxiety gradually melts away and you get increasingly mindful of your surroundings.

• No, forest bathing is not the same as exercising.
• And no, it’s not just for nature lovers.
• While forest bathing, you just spend time amid nature, which can be as simple as taking a walk in your garden, or a park, or nearby woods.

Overall, it can be understood as a cross between fitness and mindfulness. 

On why you should consider doing it:

• Forest bathing gives you a natural escape amid the technology boom-induced burnout.
• It allows you to reconnect with nature.
• Who knows, it might inspire you to take steps to protect forests.

How To Do Forest Bathing

The first step is to find a spot. 

There is no one size fits all. You need to find a place that appeals to you.

It can be anything, near a creek, in a park with your favourite flowers, or any place of your choice.

• Make sure you leave all the electronic devices behind as you would not need them, says Li.
• Since you are going to roam around mindlessly, let your body be your guide. Let it lead you to go to places. Listening to your senses can help. Follow the chirps of a bird or the smell of the damped soil. This is one of those rare situations where you absolutely give in to your senses. 
• Be mindful, let the forest enter your mind through your senses. Observe the different shades of green, smell the flowers around, feel the texture of the leaves, observe the flowers, birds, and your surroundings.

As you connect to nature, you cross the bridge to happiness, Li says. 

And there are many activities you can do while forest bathing, such as:

• Walking
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Eating
• Painting
• Singing

You can do any activity of your choice.

Benefits Of Forest Bathing

Although reconnecting with nature isn’t just a Japanese concept and is a part of several cultures, the Japanese were the first to come up with the term. 

You should also consider forest bathing for its several benefits:

• As you generally roam around, you engage in physical activity that is beneficial for your health. A thing that should be noted here is that a 2010 study that compared walking in a city to walking through a forest revealed that in the latter’s case, a significant reduction in blood pressure and stress hormones were found.
• It clears your mind and gives you a respite from stress and anxiety.
• Connecting with nature gives you a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.
• You get a boost of energy.
• Forest bathing allows you to unplug from technology and slow down.

By 2050, over 60% of the world population will be living in cities, as per estimates. 

Technology is already a part of a large portion of our lives. 

Forest cover is also dwindling. Many of us might have forgotten, 

but we are a part of nature too and reconnecting with it is both important and beneficial for us. 

Caring for nature is another form of self-care that we can explore.