Forest bathing is a new term for the way all humans once engaged with the environment around them. As we have become more and more urbanised and connected to technology, we have become increasingly disconnected from the natural environment around us. Called Shinrin Yoku by the Japanese, a term which means forest bath, it still has much to offer us in the modern world.
Forest bathing can be performed anywhere there is a natural environment to immerse oneself in. For those in big cities this might be in a park or along the foreshore of a beach, lake or river, for those of us lucky enough to live in the country it is all around us and readily accessible all the time.
Benefits of forest bathing include stress reduction through lower cortisol, improved mental health and enhanced mood, better cognitive function through improved attention and memory, better sleep patterns, better cardiovascular health and increased immune function. With so many benefits it is a wonder that most of us don’t engage in it regularly.
During the Covid lock downs parks and walking tracks were full of people taking the opportunity to get out and engage with forest bathing even though they didn’t know this is what they were doing. Unfortunately, this link with nature has not continued, with most retreating to their previous connection with technology and social media. It is no wonder disconnection and separation from the natural world around us has become the norm, increasing levels of anxiety and depression are our system giving us a kick up the backside to change our ways.
I am stunned that even when I do see others out in nature while engaging in my own forest bathing, they are still connected to the umbilical cord of technology, be it playing music loudly at the beach or picnic area or walking, running or cycling with earbuds in, not connected in any meaningful way with the songs of the birds around them, the rustle of the wind in the trees, the lap of the water in the river or the serene motionless stance of the water dragons as they pass them by without even noticing them.
Join me, leave the earbuds and phone at home and improve your health and well-being by walking, running, cycling or just sitting and being, immersed in the natural world around you and know it is doing you good.