Wellness Series: Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

Forest bathing, or nature bathing, is a practice that involves mindfully spending time in a forest to soak in the atmosphere through your senses. The practice encourages you to wander slowly, breathe deeply, and observe the sights, sounds, and scents of nature without a specific goal. It is known to help lower stress and boost mood.

About forest bathing: "Consider Forest Bathing! The practice of Forest Bathing is part of a wellness movement that recognizes the powerful connection between nature and human health. It encourages us to spend sensory-based time in a natural space – any natural, no walls space. What is Forest Bathing? Forest Bathing or shinrin-yoku is rooted in research in Japan in the 1980’s at a time of escalating stress related illnesses: It is full sensory immersion in the beauty and wonder of nature and “bathing” in the beneficial atmosphere of trees. It is an evidence-based wellness practice that has been popularized in many countries for health benefits like lowered blood pressure, decreased anxiety and stress hormone levels, help with depression, attention, boosted immune system and it can even help our bodies fight cancer cells. Forest Bathing has been part of the national health care system for years in countries like Japan, Finland, Scotland and South Korea where physicians write prescriptions for relaxed time outside!" -by Jane Scanlon, Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Above the Clouds Forest Bathing (the author is not associated with this public program)