Forest Bathing: Reconnect with Nature for a Healthier You
Spending time in the lap of nature has always been beneficial for overall wellbeing. Forest bathing is another step in this direction as it works as a powerful antidote to the stress and anxiety generated in the overcrowded cities. With its origin in Japan, Forest bathing is a widely accepted Japanese preventive health care treatment, also known as ‘shinrin yoku’ which translates to “bathing in the forest’s atmosphere.”
From Bollywood stars like Sanaya Irani and Aditi Govitrikar to global icons like Kate Middleton and Justin Bieber, forest bathing has captivated celebrities worldwide. This serene wellness practice blends nature’s healing touch with mindful rejuvenation.
Let us explore the benefits of this treatment.
Benefits of Forest Bathing
A meta study conducted by the Nature Connectedness research Group at Derby University, reveals that our response to forests is emotional and support a 3 circles model i.e. the pursuit of joy, avoiding threat and connecting to calm. Nature is known to balance these three circles leading to a feeling of bliss and happiness that results in overall physical and mental wellbeing.
Reduces Stress – Leisurely Forest walks have been found to significantly reduce stress levels by supressing the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. Walking in the urban areas do not have the same effect as compared to walking in a dense forest with only the sounds of birds chirping and occasional streams flowing here and there.
Enhances Creativity – Daily walks in the forest help unleash your creativity as you spend time with yourself, without digital gadgets that are more of a distraction. People have become dependent on AI for every small need and thus do not put any effort in thinking out of the box. Once you start detaching yourself from these gadgets and spend time thinking, you will yourself see the change that you feel.
Accelerates Recovery from Illness – Nature acts as a powerful catalyst in the recovery process. This is evident from the fact that a patient having the view of a garden recovers faster than one in a room with the view of a busy street with loud traffic. This is because nature has a calming effect on our senses.
How to Begin Your Forest Bathing Journey
- Choose a Natural Spot
- Leave Technology Behind
- Engage Your Senses
- Take It Slow and immerse yourself in nature’s lap.
Conclusion
Forest bathing not only helps us in recovering from trauma or illness, it also boosts immunity and lowers blood pressure. Apart from this it reduces stress and improves concentration. With so many benefits, it is worth trying, isn’t it?
