Have you heard about forest bathing? Have you done it? Well, what is forest bathing?  It started in Japan as  The Society of Forest Medicine within the Japanese Society for Hygiene states “Incorporating forest bathing trips into a good lifestyle was first proposed in 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan” which is called “Shinrinyoku.” The society calls it similar to “natural aromatherapy” and “Now it has become a recognized relaxation and/or stress management activity in Japan.”

What you do is not much, just fully immerse yourself in a forest. During forest bathing you shouldn’t purposefully exercise, such as hiking. It is a “practice of immersing oneself in nature by mindfully using all five senses” which is more like a meditation.

Many years of research and study of forest bathing has been found this practice beneficial in many ways, such as reducing stress and lowering blood pressure. One benefit I found amazing is of the stimulation of an anti-cancer protein which can last for 30 days after a forest visit.

 

For more info on the benefits, how, what and all the details:

• Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review 
• Getting back to nature: how forest bathing can make us feel better 
• ‘Forest Bathing’ Is Great for Your Health. Here’s How to Do It
• Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs