Nature is good for us. It has a way of restoring our mental and physical well-being as nothing else can. Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a practice that originates in Japan. It involves immersing yourself in nature and letting all of your senses take in the forest atmosphere. Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, improve moods, and boost overall health. Here are our top four tips for forest bathing.
1. Limit Distractions
When you’re in nature, be in nature. That means putting away your phone and any other devices that might take away from your experience. Let yourself be present at the moment and take in all the sights, sounds, and smells around you. A nature bathing walk should last at least 30 minutes, but the longer, the better. You could even spend a whole day in nature if you really wanted to. Anything that would help you disconnect from the world and connect with nature would be beneficial.
2. Slow Down
We live in a world that is always go, go, go. We are constantly rushing from one thing to the next. One of the best things about forest bathing is that it forces you to slow down. You can’t hurry through it and expect to get the full benefits. Walking slowly allows you to take in all the details around you and really savor the experience. It’s also a good way to prevent yourself from getting too tired. If you find yourself getting winded, just slow down your pace.
3. Savor the Senses
As you’re walking, pay attention to all the different sounds you hear. Listen to the birds singing and the leaves rustling in the wind. Smell the fragrance of the trees and the earth. And take a good look at your surroundings. Notice the different colors and textures. See if you can find any interesting plants or animals. The more you engage your senses, the more beneficial forest bathing will be.
4. Go Solo or with a Friend
Forest bathing can be done alone or with a friend. If you go alone, you’ll have more opportunities to really focus on your senses and the experience. But if you go with a friend, you can enjoy some good conversation while you’re walking. You may even consider programs that offer guided forest walks. These can be a great way to learn more about the plants and animals you’re seeing.
The Bottom Line
Those are just a few of our top tips for forest bathing. Remember, the key is to slow down and savor the experience. Let nature surround you and rejuvenate your mind and body. You’ll be amazed at how good you feel afterward. So, get out there and start forest bathing today!