A year ago, we moved to our dream house in the forest. I enjoyed it for many reasons, but one in particular. Because I run my own business, I have been plagued by a high-stress level for years, which accompanies me daily. That’s why I was so excited about this forest. Not only did I want to be able to admire its beauty at any time, but I also wanted to take my mind off my professional problems, even for a few moments. Even when I have time for coffee between online meetings.
In the beginning, I spent time in the forest walking and enjoying the beauty around me. But then I discovered forest bathing and started practicing it regularly.
The history of forest bathing
The practice of forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, originated in Japan in the 1980s. The term shinrin-yoku was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and refers to embracing a forest atmosphere and spending time in forests or other natural environments to promote physical and mental health.
The idea of shinrin-yoku is rooted in traditional Japanese culture, which has a long history of integrating nature into everyday life and health practices. In Japan, forests are considered sacred and are often associated with traditional spiritual and cultural practices. Shinrin-yoku aims to help people reconnect with nature and take advantage of the calming and restorative effects of the forest.
Shinrin-yoku is becoming more and more popular not only in Japan but also in other countries. This is supported by a growing body of scientific research on the health benefits of spending time in nature. Today, forest bathing is widely regarded as a valuable and enjoyable way to promote physical and mental health.
The benefits of forest bathing
But what are the benefits of forest bathing for human health? Studies have shown that being in nature reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and improves overall mental and physical well-being. Spending time in the woods regularly also boosts the immune system and improves mood.
As I continued to practice forest bathing, I found that it brought peace and tranquility to my life. The peace of the forest, the singing of birds, and the rustling of leaves in the wind gave a sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
One of the most striking benefits of forest baths is how they help reduce stress. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of work, duties, and commitments. The constant pressure takes a toll on our mental and physical health. And spending time in nature provides us with a much-needed break from the chaos of everyday life.
The calming effects of nature have been well-documented in numerous studies. One study from the University of Michigan found that spending time in nature can significantly lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Another study conducted by Stanford University showed that walking in a natural environment, such as a forest or park, can reduce the symptoms of depression in people affected by it.
In addition to its stress-reducing effects, spending time in nature also improves physical health. Studies have shown that bathing in the forest lowers blood pressure and improves the health of the heart and circulatory system. The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries conducted a study that showed that forest bathing improves the function of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling rest and digestion.
There is one more surprising aspect of our functioning, which is affected by forest bathing. It turns out that they also improve cognitive functions and increase creativity. A study by the University of Kansas showed that walking in nature improves memory and concentration. Another study found that nature walks increased the participants’ creativity and problem-solving abilities in many cases. Quite a lot of it.
Summing up
Bathing in the forest benefits you in four super important areas:
- Improving immune function
- Decreased stress and anxiety
- Better cardiovascular health
- Improve attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities
As for me. After a year of living in my wilderness, I can confidently say that living close to nature has significantly increased my sense of happiness and restored balance in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to commune with the natural world daily. I highly recommend the practice of forest bathing to anyone who wants to improve their health and well-being. The calming influence of nature can provide a much-needed respite from the stresses of modern life, and the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in the woods are well worth the effort of going to your nearest woods or park once in a while and just enjoying it.
