Forest Bathing

When life feels overwhelming, sometimes one of the simplest things we can do for ourselves is step outside and take in nature. There are many reasons why they call it ‘the great outdoors’. The idea of intentionally spending time in nature has a name in Japan: shinrin-yoku, commonly translated as “forest bathing.”

Forest bathing simply means immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a forest and experiencing it through your senses. The term was introduced in Japan in the 1980s as a way to encourage people to spend time in forests for well-being.

Natural environments can give our brains a break from the constant stimulation of notifications, schedules, responsibilities, noise and information. Being outdoors also encourages us to pay attention to what's happening around us. We have the opportunity to listen to the sound of birds, the feeling of a breeze or the colors of the trees.

Feel the sun on your face. Listen to leaves moving in the wind. Notice the smell of the air after it rains. Put your feet in the grass or take a walk without worrying about how many steps you're getting. This is also a great time to practice grounding techniques. (Check out this month’s grounding technique that uses the breeze here!)

Research has associated exposure to nature and green spaces with benefits including reduced stress, improved mood, better attention and greater overall well-being. In fact, a recent study found forest bathing was associated with reductions in heart rate, tension/anxiety, depression/despondency, anger/hostility, fatigue, confusion, and negative emotional affect. However, the researchers rated the certainty of the evidence as very low because studies varied considerably in their methods and results, so forest bathing is better viewed as a complementary wellness practice rather than a treatment by itself. 

And you don't necessarily need to spend hours hiking through the wilderness to experience the benefits. Unlike hiking, where you may have a destination, distance or fitness goal, shinrin-yoku is about slowing down and experiencing your surroundings. There is nowhere you need to get. There is no finish line. You simply allow yourself to be present in nature.

One of the best things about nature-based mental wellness is that it can be adapted to your life. Not everyone has access to a forest, hiking trail or huge green space. That's okay. Nature can be found in a neighborhood walk, your backyard, a local park or even a few quiet minutes sitting outside. Try drinking your morning coffee on the porch instead of scrolling on your phone, eating lunch outside, walking around the block after dinner or watching the sunset. 

Interested in getting started? Join us for Anchored & Rooted, a guided forest therapy experience in the presence of a peaceful horse herd. Brooke of Ashbrook Forest Therapy and our very own Angel of Anchor Counseling host this event the second Saturday of each month. Learn more here.