Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
What Is Forest Bathing?
While forest bathing began in Japan in the 1980s, it has recently grown more popular worldwide.
Forest bathing has become an eco-friendly, healthy antidote to our tech-saturated world.
Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
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Mindfulness
One of the obvious benefits of taking a walk in nature is getting away from screens.
Instead, we are taking a break and allowing ourselves time to recharge and appreciate.
We can achieve a state of mindfulness through various forms of meditation but also through everyday living.
Tree Oil
Plants and trees emit a substance called phytoncide.
Thisessential oilprotects plants and trees from insects and germs.
Their antimicrobial properties may influence immunity.
Breathing in forest air increases the level of natural killer (NK) cells in our blood.
Our body uses these NK cells to combat infections and cancers.
Stress Reduction
The positive effects of forest bathing are becoming more well known.
Psychologists are recommending forest therapy to decrease the risk of psychosocialstress-related diseases.
In one research study, researchers reviewedsix studies about forest therapy published between 2010 and 2020.
The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between nature, mindfulness, and measures of psychological well-being.
How Do I Start a Forest Bathing Practice?
Forest bathing is a simple way to relax and revitalize.
We trust our bodies and our senses, and we go at our own pace.
Forest bathing requires a commitment to a regular practice; its not a one-and-done quick fix or panacea.
Just remember to forest bathe regularly, even if you have to schedule the time on your calendar.
Nor is it advised to play loud music as you walk.
Forest bathing requires a different mindset.
You are embarking on more of a leisurely, meditative experience.
You are strolling through nature in a forest and taking your time.
You are engaging with all of your senses.
You are noticing the sensations that appear and how youre connecting to the natural world.
Its a nature-based intervention so you dont have to worry about chemical side effects.
It can also be a complementary treatment to supplement standard treatment, especially for mental health afflictions.
Forest bathing offers a healing way to get back to nature and ourselves.
Research continues to show positive health results of this practice across all age groupsfrom children to elderly populations.
2020;17(24):E9340.
2019;24(1):46. doi:10.1186/s12199-019-0800-1
