Could This Therapy Be Key to Our Wellbeing?

The following wellness practice is anything but expected or typical and there are no bath bombs or essential oils involved — but it may be the most important idea to come along in some time. Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a traditional Japanese practice that is all about connection with the natural world and the results on well being are stunning. Here’s what science says about forest bathing and how it might be the key to feeling better.

Forest bathing is the Japanese practice of spending tech-free time in nature. During a forest bath, individuals use all five senses to engage with their environment for hours at a time. Keep reading to learn more about the well-documented benefits of forest bathing, which include decreased depression and anxiety, a lowered pulse, increased vigor and relaxation.

What is Forest Bathing?

Forest bathing is the intentional practice of spending time in nature and connecting with the environment using all five senses. This is so much more than going for a walk. It’s a screen-free, distraction-free immersion in the natural world.

The practice requires committing to an allotted time, like 2 hours, and leaving technology behind at home or in the car. Then, bathers meander around in nature with no real agenda apart from truly experiencing the surrounding environment. To get the most from the experience, purposely notice how the air, flowers and trees smell and look. Listen for the sounds of animals, bugs or the wind. Enjoy the taste of the air moving in and out of your mouth, and notice how the sun feels on your skin.

What Are the Benefits of Forest Bathing?

The goal of a forest bath is to experience the relaxing benefits of time spent outside. Research has been done to pinpoint the specific effects of shinrin-yoku. In 2016, a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary documented lowered pulse in participants after day trips involving two walks of 80 minutes each in the morning and afternoon.

Additionally, study participants presented with lower depression and anxiety scores and higher vigor scores. Urinary samples were taken before and after revealed lowered dopamine output, which is indicative of a relaxing effect, according to the study authors.

Who should give forest bathing a try? This practice is for anyone who wants to unplug and relax. For those who feel intimidated by the idea of going tech-free for a couple of hours at a time, there is no harm in starting with short forest baths of 15 or 20 minutes and working your way up, but if you want the most out of the experience, it seems that a couple of hours once per week is a sweet spot to aim for.

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