Have you ever heard of such a thing?
Forest bathing sounds like a new age idea, or maybe even like a silly thing to consider. Bathing in the forest? What does that even mean? According to Dr. Qing Li, the world’s foremost expert in forest medicine, he shows how forest bathing can reduce your stress levels and blood pressure, strengthen your immune and cardiovascular systems, boost your energy, mood, creativity, and concentration, and even help you lose weight and live longer.
How do I bathe in the forest?
There is no wrong way to enjoy being in the outdoors. But, there is a difference in where you are outside. Spending time outdoors is something people are doing less and less. Our busy schedules and dependency on electronics have led to fewer hours spent outdoors. But. Not all outdoor time is created equally. Walking from a coffee shop to a shopping center in the middle of a city or busy area does not give you the same benefit as being in the forest amongst the trees.
The idea of bathing in the forest is to really immerse yourself with nature. To listen to what lives there, notice how the tree bark feels on your hands. To bathe in the idea that nothing else matters. Leaving behind all otherworldly things. When you truly experience the forest no distractions should be brought with you. Leave your phone and your camera behind and take pictures with your mind and memory.
Benefits of forest bathing
All too often we are bogged down with the concerns of life. These constant worries create many negative effects in our lives. While everyone experiences stress differently, it is present in everyone’s life. The world is constantly demanding our time, energy, and attention.
By shifting that attention to ourselves for just a short time we can reap many benefits. Being surrounded by the forest we are able to reconnect to what our bodies need. We can take in greater amounts of oxygen. We can stretch not only our bodies but our minds too. Lowering stress levels have many benefits, and being among the trees is a great stress reducer.
There is no wrong way to enjoy the forest
There are so many ways to enjoy the forest. Taking your family for a hike, walking your dog, or packing in a picnic are ways to enjoy the woods. Just be sure to put yourself out there. It can be intimidating to try and fulfill an expectation like ‘forest bathing’ but it is more important to not overthink it. Enjoy the silence the woods can provide. Notice the way the trees change color and drop their leave. Investigate conifers and other evergreen trees. Walk in the early hours and the dusk ones too. (The curpuscular hours)
Conclusion
The forest has been a place of peace for many people for centuries. It provides medicine. It is home to the animal species that surround us. And, it can be the place that brings us peace. Let’s go back to being in the forest and bathing in the awe that it provides.