Yes, you read that right - forest bathing!!! Doesn’t that sound nice? I don’t know how you feel about it, but I am up for forest bathing any day! And why? Well, it is a Japanese-originated practice that reduces stress and increases resilience, increases happiness and feelings of calm. Scientifically proven (check out the resources page for more info).
The key here is exposure to nature and using nature to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is easier to practice in certain environments, and nature is one of the places where mindfulness comes without much effort. All you have to do is slow down (literally, stop moving), attune to your surroundings, and take some deep breaths. Notice small details around you, pay attention to the natural sounds. Maybe even take off your shoes and socks and feel the ground beneath your feet. Engage your sense of smell. Take a few more deep breaths. Ahhhh….. You are forest bathing!!
This type of practice has huge health benefits in terms of impact on your parasympathetic nervous system. To put it in other terms, your overall body-mind state is more balanced and resilient. These practices create lasting changes for mental and physical health, and I encourage you to incorporate some form of regular forest bathing into your life. Ideally, I would go out to the Smoky Mountains every day and breathe in the freshness and magnificence of the mountains and the forest. Maybe even hike the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail. But I can’t right now. I have daily commitments in the city. So I do what I can. I get out into the closest forest on the weekend for at least a couple of hours. I wear barefoot shoes to feel the connection with Mother Earth. What little things can you do?
Not sure? I would be happy to help! As a Certified Forest Bathing Guide, I offer Forest Bathing outings in the Raleigh, NC area. If you are local, join me. If not, I can help you browse ideas of how you can start forest bathing wherever you are!
