A walk in the woods has been for many a way to escape daily stress and relax. Immersing yourself in a forest environment has been shown to have both physical and mental benefits.
According to the Global Wellness Institute forest therapy (or forest-bathing) is a practice that involves absorbing the forest’s atmosphere through all five senses. Forest bathing is more than just a walk through the woods. It’s a contemplative and conscious practice that involves being immersed in all the sounds, sights and smells the forest has to offer. The focus is on slowing down, and appreciating the entire environment. Forest therapy was developed by the Japanese in the 1980s as a form of “forest bathing” to promote mental and physical health.
Forest bathing, according to its proponents can be therapeutic and counter some of the negative impacts of our fast-paced, technology-driven lives. Researchers have compiled a growing body scientific literature that outlines the many health benefits of forest bathing, including improved health and wellbeing at the physiological and emotional levels, as well as cognitive, social, and spiritual.
Forests and other natural environments can have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and immune system, and reduce stress. Researchers in Japan conducted a study that found the benefits of forest therapy lasted for three to five full days. A study showed that, when compared with an urban walk, taking a leisurely walk in the forest led to 12% lower levels of stress hormones, decreased blood pressure, heart rate, and improved immune function. Walking in nature has been shown to improve attention, reduce ADHD symptoms and increase creativity in children.
Nature walks have been linked to improved mood in several studies. Researchers at the University of Michigan studied the effects of walking in the woods for people who suffer from depression. Researchers concluded that nature interaction could be a useful clinical supplement to current treatments for major depressive disorder. Forest therapy can also help with trauma and PTSD.
Getting Started
A certified forest therapy expert and Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. She explains forest bathing as a slow, mindful sensory experience that can last for two hours or more within a mile of walking. But it could also be done in 10-15 minutes, or over a longer period of time, such as days or even weeks. Professor Kil shares some tips on how to get started
- Silence your mobile phone
- Respect the nature.
- Slowly and carefully walk.
- Focus on each of your senses, one by one.
- Find a comfortable and safe place that catches your attention.
- Invite solitude.
- Listen to your heart.
- Reflect on your journey in the forest or natural environment, either individually or as a group.
We also notes that forest bathing is possible at any time of the year, and each season offers a different experience.
There are also more structured forest bathing experiences. National Geographic published a report on certified forests therapy trails in different parts of the world. They also listed five places to go with trained guides and enjoy a two-to-three-hour ecotherapy experience.
Recent research compared guided forest therapies with forest bathing. The study found that guided forest therapy was more beneficial than self-guided therapy because it allowed for reflection and self-reflection.
The forest therapy could be the perfect antidote for our daily stress and screen time. This practice is easy to do and has few side effects.
