Finding Your Forest
We all know that getting out into nature is good for the soul. Studies have shown that spending 120 minutes a week in nature correlates with better overall mental and physical health.
We often associate the outdoors with physical activity. While there are undoubtedly endless opportunities to exercise outdoors (hiking, mountain biking, and running all come to mind), there are also benefits to merely taking a deep breath and being in nature.
The Japanese phrase “shinrin-yoku” translates in English to “forest bath.” This practice encourages you to surround yourself with nature so that you are fully immersed in it, much like you would be in a bath surrounded by water. Forest bathing involves taking a leisurely walk through nature without an agenda or a push to move at a particular pace.
Forest bathing is beneficial for your mental and physical health. It can help you re-energize and connect with the Earth. Best of all, it is simple to do.
How to Practice Shinrin-Yoku
The two things you need to practice shinrin-yoku are time and a natural setting. Ideally, you will be able to devote as much time as you need to shinrin-yoku. If that seems impossible, then start with a shorter amount of time just to get you out the door and moving. Setting aside 10 minutes in your busy day can make a world of difference for how you feel.
Here are a few steps you can take to experience the benefits of shinrin-yoku in your local area.
1. Find your forest
While the term specifies being in a forest, any type of natural environment will do. It could be a park, a nature reserve, or even a large garden. Find somewhere with trees that will let you immerse yourself in nature. Once you have located a place with trees and lots of greenery, you can begin forest bathing.
2. Leave everything behind
The point of shinrin-yoku is to be at one with nature, and there’s nothing natural about your cell phone. Leave your phone at home or lock it in your car. The same goes for your smartwatch, camera, and anything else you have on you that could be a distraction.
3. Don’t set expectations
We’re so used to working at a fast-pace. We love short workouts and actively seek productivity hacks. We pack our days so full that we feel like time is wasted if each moment is not carefully planned. Resist the urge to set expectations with shinrin-yoku. Let your body take you where it wants to go. Let your mind wander. Accept how you feel without passing judgment. Be in the moment.
4. Take a seat
Find somewhere to sit and observe what is happening around you. Notice how the animals change their behavior once they notice you. Look at the trees around you. Inspect the leaves on the ground. Take deep breaths and notice how the air smells and feels against your skin. Take it all in.
5. Avoid talking
If you are forest bathing with someone else, avoid talking until the end of the experience. It may feel odd at first, but you will start to feel more comfortable being quiet as you get used to being in the forest. You can discuss your experiences once you are done forest bathing.
Start Practicing Shinrin-Yoku
The best thing about shinrin-yoku is that you do not need any special equipment to do it. All you need is a natural setting and some time. It’s recommended to practice every day. However, it should not feel like a chore.
Try shinrin-yoku the next time you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed with the busy nature of everyday life. Stepping into nature, even for a short while, can put everything in perspective and help you feel better inside and out.
Are you interested in soaking up even more about forest bathing? For additional references click here.
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