In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety can be running high, many people are seeking solace in nature-based experiences like Shinrin Yoku, also known as forest bathing. It’s about slowing down, observing the surroundings, and immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest.
Originating in Japan, Shinrin Yoku has gained popularity worldwide for its health benefits and calming effects on the mind and body. It is becoming more and more popular across the UK, and you can experience forest bathing at day and weekend retreats where you will be guided through the practice of Shinrin Yoku.
It actually does reduce stress and increase relaxation
Just a couple of hours spent mindfully in nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mood.
In her forest bathing feature in Get the Gloss Kerry Potter said “After my day of forest bathing, my Oura health tracker noted a whopping three hours of ‘restorative time’ in its stress mapping function. On a normal day, I rarely reach 10 minutes. And I slept like a, well, log that night.”
It boosts your immune system
Phytoncides are effectively essential oils given off by trees. These chemicals have natural antibacterial qualities that protect the tree from germs and parasites.
So, a tree emits these active substances to create a field of protection around itself against harmful bugs, bacteria, and disease. When humans breathe phytoncides in, they can produce many incredible benefits inside the body. It is believed that a 2-hour walk in the forest increases NK cell activity that can last for days.
It’s really freeing to take your shoes off in the forest!
Tara Robinson recently experienced forest bathing during a weekend eco-retreat at Forest Retreats, Tintern. Tara wrote in her feature in Time & Leisure that she initially felt uncomfortable about taking her shoes off, but “since mindfulness is supposed to ground you in the present moment, the unfamiliar yet surprisingly welcome sensation of soil and twigs against your feet keeps you present and helps to stop your mind from wandering. You are constantly forced to notice it.”
It improves your senses
Forest bathing encourages you to focus on all of your senses, when you slow down and really look at, feel, smell, taste and touch your surroundings. Describing her experience of forest bathing, Madison Burgess wrote in the Daily Mail: “..we were told to pair up with someone else in the group for the next activity. One of us had to close our eyes and guide the other through the forest, stopping them at interesting points and asking them to open their eyes to take a ‘human photograph’ with their mind.
While walking around with my eyes closed was unnerving, and I had a fear of falling over, it did heighten my other senses and made the views even more spectacular when I looked again.”
It benefits your mental health
Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature can have positive effects on mental health, and forest bathing is no exception. People often report improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of well-being after practicing forest bathing.
With our fast-paced lifestyles which often include plenty of stress, Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, offers a retreat to nature. Although it originated in Japan, it is now gaining popularity globally through day and weekend retreats including at Forest Retreats in the Wye Valley. Studies now can prove that nature really does heal – reducing stress, boosting immunity and enhancing mental wellbeing, providing a full body holistic healing experience.
Come and try on one of our weekend or day retreats by clicking here https://forestretreats.co.uk/retreats/ or book for a group or individual session by emailing info@forestretreats.co.uk.
