The Art Of Forest Bathing: Relaxation Amid The Trees
Photo Credit: Gustavo Queiroz / pexels.com
In This Article You Will Find.
When I head out with my family to go on our regular forest walks, I experience a kind of calmness that can’t be compared to any other feeling. Feeling the earth beneath my feet pulsating with the sounds of nature makes me more grounded, ultimately allowing me to spend real quality time with my loved ones.
Naturally, my curiosity led me to explore the science of this experience. I had one lingering question in my mind – why does the forest make me feel so relaxed?
In no time, I discovered the art of forest bathing – a Japanese practice rooted in spending time in a forest, which, in turn, benefits your well-being. Without being fully aware of it, I’ve realized I’ve engaged in this practice more times than I can count, and this sparked my curiosity even brighter.
With that said, let me unveil the reason why the forest makes you feel relaxed, and show you why this practice sticks with you in the long run.
Photo Credit: Irina Iriser / unsplash.com
What Is Forest Bathing?
We live in an era where new wellness trends pop up by the minute, and some of them seem overcomplicated and overhyped. However, that’s not the case with forest bathing.
As previously mentioned, forest bathing (also known as shinrin-yoku) was first discovered by the Japanese, which literally translates to “taking in the forest atmosphere”. The goal here isn’t to partake in deep meditative breathing exercises or hiking hard. On the contrary, it’s about making your senses take all the reins.
In simple terms, the forest bathing experience is about being fully connected with the surrounding nature. You’re supposed to take in all the textures, sounds, sights, and smells, leading you to a more grounded state.
For my family and me, our forest bathing walks are unhurried and super enjoyable. We stop whenever something catches our attention, be it a strange tree root, a delightful bird song, or the way sunlight hits the moss. By doing so, our conversations flow more naturally, making our connection deeper and stronger than ever before.
As you can see, forest bathing is simple, undemanding, and effortless. Still, despite all that simplicity, it never feels empty.
Photo Credit: Richard Dacker / pexels.com
Why The Forest Makes You Feel Relaxed
As I started researching forest bathing health benefits, I stumbled upon something I never noticed before – phytoncides. These are natural oils that trees release into the air, and they’re part of their so-called “defense system”, protecting them from various insects and microbes. What’s fascinating, however, is the fact that we inhale phytoncides when we walk in the forest – and they do quite a number on our well-being!
To put it simply, when we inhale phytoncides, the oils lower cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone. Additionally, they help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, and they can support immune function. With that said, the effects of forest bathing aren’t just “in our heads”. In fact, there are actual chemical reactions happening in our bodies when we walk through the trees!
Of course, scientists have also shown interest in the health benefits of forest bathing. A large research review on nature exposure and human health notes that forest environments are linked with beneficial psychophysiological effects. Another research paper on forest environments and immune function found that time spent in forests increased natural killer (NK) cell activity, which effect have lasted days after the visit.
While the scientific proof has shown me actual proof of the benefits, I don’t go into the forest thinking about immune cells. I spend time in nature because it feels good and makes me connected with my roots. And, unsurprisingly, my body agrees every single time.
What Forest Bathing Looks Like For Me
After I became aware of the effects the forest had on my family and me, spending time in nature became part of our day-to-day lifestyle. It wasn’t a “special event” anymore. It was an opportunity for the whole family to have a grounding experience and feel the mighty power of the forest.
One of the best things about forest bathing walks is that they’re always different. We regularly have a picnic after our walks. We especially look for natural playgrounds with sand and water so the kids can discover new textures and roam as freely as their creativity takes them.
And it’s in these simple moments that I find true peace. I don’t feel the need to check my phone again and again to see the time or check my notifications. I just sit in the grass, listen to the birds, and take in everything the forest has to offer.
If I’m feeling more adventurous, I also like to walk barefoot on sandy forest paths. Experiencing different textures as I walk along pulls attention back to my body, making me feel truly connected.
Photo Credit: Juan Davila / unsplash.com
Why Forest Bathing Is Different From Other Relaxation Practices
Everyone has their own methods to wind down and relax. Some like to curl up in a blanket with a good book in hand, others like to take yoga classes, or even engage in sound therapy. Whatever the case, nothing comes close to the relaxation the forest offers.
When we’re indoors, we usually have to rely on different kinds of elements to create a relaxing setting, usually with lighting, scent, temperature, and so on. In nature, calmness is already laid out for you. Instead of mechanical sounds and straight lines, your senses are wrapped with organic shapes and natural sounds.
What’s more, this kind of setting changes the way we communicate with each other. Since you experience less anxiety and tension, you feel less of a need to “perform”, meaning you can embrace who you are and what you feel in that very moment.
Harness The Power Of The Forest
A forest bathing experience doesn’t have to be long and structured to matter. Sometimes, all it takes is an hour in nature for you to feel truly at peace. And that’s what I find most fascinating – the forest doesn’t ask much of us. Come to think of it, maybe that’s exactly why we find it so relaxing.
Continue your journey of nature exploration by checking out my guides or reading the rest of my blogs.
I'm a nature-loving mom from the Netherlands, sharing my journey of reconnecting with nature and embracing a simpler, more natural life.
Let’s explore this path together!
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