Top 12 Benefits of Forest Bathing

What is forest bathing

The Japanese Forest Therapy of Shinrin – Yoku literally mean forest bathing. It is a therapeutic activity of spending time in a forest & immersing oneself in nature with mindfulness. Absorbing the environs through all senses would re-balance mind and body & provide wide range of benefits. Here we would discuss top 12 benefits of forest bathing.

The goal of forest bathing is to live fully in the present moment. It induces parasympathetic nervous system activities in our body which can result in rest and slowing down of the heart rate. Having forest bath can restore our mood, reenergize, refresh and rejuvenate us.

The history of forest bathing

Forest bathing has been popularized as important preventative healthcare system in Japan since 1980s. It has proved to be a very powerful antidote to conquer the side effects of a hectic and stressful lifestyle. Forest retreat can accelerate the recovery from any illness or trauma. It also deliver lasting physical and mental wellbeing,

As the real estate prices have shot up greenspace is shrinking & cities are becoming green poor. Don’t worry if you don’t have any forest in the vicinity as going to a heavily wooded area isn’t required, You can go to a local park or a lake, or any natural setting. To live that moment fully while bathing your senses in nature turn off all the devices you have.

How to practice forest bathing

• Find a spot. To experience forest bath benefits one doesn’t need to go to deep into a forest. All you need to do, is to look for any green space – be an city park or suburban woods. If you are not able to find any forest cover nearby you can practice gazing at forest pictures or use essential oils that can improve upon your experience.

• Awareness: Going back to nature help to bring us to a elevated state of sensory awareness and a feeling of mindfulness. Sit comfortably and keep your eyes open noticing your breath. Try to engage all your senses with your natural surroundings – sound, touch, smell as well as sight. Turn off your devices to get a best chance to relax, introspect and explore yourself.

• Appreciate the silence. Silence have restorative effect on overall health. Forest Bath allow you to move away from city’s noise pollution. Enjoy the healing natural sound of rustling leaves, chirping birds & trickling of water. As we connect with nature we charge ourselves with altruistic feeling & sense of belongingness that we are part of a larger whole.

Here are Top 12 Benefits of Forest Bathing

Forest therapy is based on belief that we are part of nature & it restore our health when we spend the time in nature. It help to increase the emotional intelligence and self confidence which results into improved relationships and better social health.

Studies have shown forest bathing can improve your concentration, mood & sleeping pattern. It can also cure physiological stress problems like high blood pressure, headaches, muscle cramps and poor immune response. Moreover, it help to release positive hormones in body & lessening burnout,

1. Reduces your stress

According to Yoshifumi Miyazaki, professor at Chiba University, Japan, Forest Bathing or forest walks can significantly decrease cortisol, compared with urban walks. A study suggest that forest walks show 12.4 percent more efficient results in decreasing in stress hormone, cortisol then urban walks.

Forest bath can also your lower the anxiety and burnout, Moreover it also improve your nervous system health by lowering sympathetic nerve activity which get increased when you feel stressed.

2. Improves your mood

As per a meta study conducted by Derby University suggest that connecting to nature can make you happy and your improve your overall mental wellbeing. Spending time in nature releases positive hormones in the body.

Furthermore, It will have a positive impact on your overall health & give you the mental calm. Nature revitalize our energy & aids in preventing unwanted thoughts. Thus it also assist in building empathy & strong relationships.

3. Ignite your creativity

As per a study concludes that people after four days of immersion in nature & complete disconnection from multi-media and modern accessories saw a 50% improvement in their cognitive skills. The exposure to natural stimuli & spending time in a natural setting enhance their creative problem solving.

 In the same way, the meditative nature of Forest environment prevent the multiple distractions of modern lifestyle and liberate your mind from negative thoughts. Hence it Improve creative reasoning through absorbing natural environment.

4. Boosts your immune system

Trees and plants emit essential oils called ‘phytoncides’ which we inhale in when we spend time in the forest. The studies by Qing Li, a Japanese researcher, show that these oils enhance the activity of Natural Killer cells that help to boost our immune system & fight disease & viral infections.

In Addition to creating natural killer cells, it can also promote lower concentrations of cortisol released by the body. This cortisol can have negative impacts on our body’s gross immune system.

5. Reduces high blood pressure

A study shows that forest Bathing can significantly reduce blood pressure and pulse rate which are crucial factors in nurturing a healthy heart. It can also increase adiponectin levels in your body that can lower risk of heart attack & have anti-inflammatory effect on blood vessel cells.

Studies have found that the impact of nature on blood pressure can be even better than medicament through increased parasympathetic nerve PNS activity, which enhanced in relaxed natural environment.

6. Prevent Diabetes and Obesity

Adiponectin is produced by fat cells which regulates fat metabolism, weight management & glucose levels. As the level of adiponectin get Increased it results in the lessen insulin resistance & obesity.

In 2016, a meta study suggested that forest bathing have been effective in reduction of blood pressure. As a result by lowering blood pressure it prevent cardiovascular problems like strokes & keep our heart healthy.

7. Fasten Recovery from Illness

According to a study by Dr. Roger Ulrich showed that a natural view from a window can effectively improve the mood speed up convalescence & boost recovery at faster pace, compared to an urban view. nature. 

Although Forest bathing has its own benefits which have been scientifically proven but if it is not accessible simply gazing at any nature’s view can be a powerful catalyst in fastening the recovery process.

8. Help in Sound Sleep

Forest bathing has shown impressive results in increasing calmness, fighting fatigue, reducing stress & activate hormones and processes in our body that improve the quality of sleep. It’s also been shown to reduce cortisol & dopamine and stress levels,

According to a study Forest bathing can improve your sleeping patterns. Secondly, the forest ecosystem can our relax our mind & body, it give us a peaceful experience which results into sound sleep at night. Also Read: 7 reasons for becoming an early riser.

9. Clearer Skin

Terpenes produced by conifers trees have anti-inflammatory properties which can cure many skin disorders. People who suffer from eczema and psoriasis can get benefits after forest bathing. It gives clear & smooth outlook.

The natural Conifer trees secrets essential oils and get diffused in forest air. This make them a better option when compared with urban cities atmosphere which is generally filled with acne causing dust and numerous pollutants.

10. Increase sense of happiness.

With increasing population living & working in urban areas, we are increasingly disassociated ourselves from nature. Thus many of us today are suffering from ‘Nature deficit disorder’, Forest bathing play a key role to bridge that gap.

Forest bathing allows oneself to enjoy the benefits of nature through senses & to disconnect from the busy urban lifestyle. It gives a better sense of clarity and free flow of positivity in thoughts. Thus it increase the sense of happiness & help to control cravings.

11. Decreased Inflammation

Forest air is cleaner & filled with fresh oxygen. It also contains other compounds that have secreted by the trees which reduce inflammation, For instance,

• Terpene can reduce joint pains, Osteoarthritis & muscle inflammation
• D-limonene help in mitigating lung inflammation & breathing problems such as asthma & COPD.
• The terpene can protect nervous system and act against degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.

12. It helps prevent cancer.

Forest bathing decrease the risk of cancer as it activate killer cells activity in the body that fight cancer. Additionally, forest bathing provides wide range of anti-inflammatory terpenes.

The forest walk also protect important organs such as the brain, kidney and liver from inflammation. Terpene & D-limonene has anti-tumor properties and effective against breast, pancreas, liver, colon & intestinal cancer.

How frequent should You Forest Bathe?

Many studies show that people get benefits when they go on forest bathing trips every fortnight. The frequent you can go, the better it would be. Although positive results even after a forest bathing trip can last for more then a month.

Since the goal is to connect with the Earth, grounding or barefoot walking on grass can improve your experience. Just take your shoes off and go barefoot. Forest Bathing & Earthing can reboot our electromagnetic fields.

Read Also : 9 Benefits of walking barefoot on grass

Tips for beginners :

• Don’t hurry. It is recommended for beginners to walk slowly. Spend as much time as possible in natural space, as it allow you to see and feel more. Hold your attention on different objects of your natural surroundings. This practice help you to control the direction & quality of your thoughts and feelings. You will calm yourself, relax, refuel & recharge.

• Try different activities. When you spending time during Forest bath, you can perform different activities. For example doing yoga, meditation, take a picnic with family or simply walk alone. All these activities help you to can embark on a journey of self discovery by filling you with creative energy & sparking new insights in real life challenges.

• Safety tips. Always walk on marked trails & pay complete attention to your vicinity. Also wear appropriate gear and don’t forget to consider things like sun protection and insect repellents. Beware of any potential dangers like wild animals & bumpy uneven surface. Whenever possible, bring a companion with you or if not possible let someone know where you’re going & by when you would return.

Conclusion

It is now scientifically proven that frequent interaction with natural settings can improve one’s physical & mental wellbeing. Forest bathing is a simple practice to relax your mind and recharge yourself.

With increasing sensorial overload caused by urban traffic, crawling cities and offices workload. However Forest bathing is a health trend that aids to unwind your thought & induce positivity. So what are you waiting for, Move out & Go to a forest bath !

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