Forest Bathing For Beginners

“Indoors, we tend to use only two senses, our eyes and our ears. Outside is where we can smell the flowers, taste the fresh air, look at the changing colours of the trees, hear the birds singing and feel the breeze on our skin. And when we open up our senses, we begin to connect to the natural world.”

Over the last few weeks, I have spent more and more time outdoors. I knew that my mind/body wellness was improving while I was in nature because I felt better. I didn’t know that I was actually practicing Shinrin yoku until I found a book about it and gave it a read.

Straight off the bat, I found it extremely interesting. So, I decided to research it a little more and found a load of information on the benefits of Forest Therapy, how to practice it, places that provide Forest Bathing activities and more. I’ve decided to throw all of this new found information together into one post, to hopefully spread some light on this incredible Japanese origin and encourage more people to give it a try.

Shinrin yoku — Japanese origin, Shinrin means “forest” and yoku means “bath.” So Shinrin-yoku means forest bathing. 

What is Forest Bathing?

This Japanese practice is an ancient process of relaxation; know in Japan as shinrin yoku. It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Shinrin-yoku is like a bridge. By opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world. Breathing deeply can help both adults and children de-stress and it also boost’s health and wellbeing in a natural way.

Where can you Forest Bathe?

There are thousands of locations across the UK. If you’re near a forest, great! If not, don’t panic. Once you have learned how to do it, you can do shinrin-yoku anywhere. In a nearby park or in your garden. Look for a place where there are trees, and you are good to go! You can forest-bathe anywhere in the world, in hot weather or in cold; in rain, sunshine or snow.

Who can Forest Bathe?

Forest bathing can be great fun for adults and children of all ages and abilities. There are no limitations.

Forest Bathing Benefits

Reduces your stress

Improves your mood

Boosts your immune system

Reduces high blood pressure

Accelerates your recovery from illness

There are so many benefits to Forest Bathing.  When it comes to finding calm and relaxation, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It differs from person to person and It’s important to find a place that suits you. Once you have, the effects of the forest will be more powerful.

Top Tips to get started.

Turn off your devices to give yourself the best chance of relaxing. If you must take a phone, have it on silence and dont take it out unless you need it for an emergency.

Take your time. Move through the forest slowly so you can see and feel more.

Take long deep breaths. Extending the exhalation of air to twice the length of the inhalation sends a message to the body that it can relax.

Take in your surroundings by using all of your senses. Paying attention to how the forest environment makes you feel.

Yoga, eating in the forest, T’ai chi, meditation, breathing exercises, aromatherapy, art classes and pottery, Nordic walking and plant observation. It doesn’t matter how fit – or unfit – you are. Shinrin-yoku is suitable for any level of fitness.

Keep your eyes open. The colours of nature are soothing and studies have shown that people relax best while seeing greens and blues.

Stay as long as you can, start with a comfortable time limit and build up to the recommended two hours for a complete forest bathing experience.

We plan to make more time in 2019 for going outside. I went the other day with Molly, in the snow. It was beautiful. Cold, but beautiful.

Is Forest Bathing something you’d be interested in trying? I’s love to know how you get on!