What is forest bathing?
“Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us” (Into the Forest by Dr Qing Li)
“When we have learned to listen to trees, that is home….that is happiness”. (Poet: H Hesse)
We know innately that time spent immersed in nature is good for us. There is a growing international body of evidence that time spent in nature has both physiological and psychological benefits. In Japan the practice of Shinrin Yoku (which roughly translates as “taking in the atmosphere of the forest”) has decades of research to evidence the many positive impacts of nature on our wellbeing. The research shows that forest bathing has the potential to help manage anxiety, depression, burnout syndrome, and lifestyle related stress. Evidence is also emerging about the positive impact on hypertension (high blood pressure) and on boosting our immune systems.
"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” Henry David Thoreau
Forest bathing can be as simple as walking in a natural environment and focusing on your senses, or a more structured guided experience over two to three hours. You don't have to be in a woodland – it can be in a treescape – this means it could be in a town or city and doesn’t have to be a defined woodland. The simplicity of the practice and the flexibility of the environment makes this one of the most potentially inclusive approaches for nature connection and wellbeing.
Forest bathing immerses and focuses your senses - allowing the focus on your senses to bring you into the current moment and engage with the healing power of nature. The experience encourages a feeling of reciprocity when you feel part of being connected with other living things.
Fiona states “I have been exploring Forest Bathing for the last few years, informally at first. Two years ago I studied a diploma in Forest Bathing and have been practising Forest Bathing with small groups of adults in a range of settings across Devon. I have a vision to bring Forest Bathing to communities who may not normally be able to access these kinds of opportunities”.
More soon about my ideas…
More to read
A two-hour “dose” of nature a week significantly boosts health and wellbeing - Article by The Guardian
The National Trust on Forest Bathing - Read here
Psychology and Neuroscience: Natural environments are known to provide mental health benefits - Read here
Natural England Briefing paper: Human well-being and the natural environment are thought to be intrinsically linked. Links between natural environments and mental health - Read here
By Fiona
