Immerse yourself in nature. In the forest, you'll always feel at home, where time stands still and the breeze gently embraces you. Let your thoughts slowly settle. You'll feel the peace nestled here. Make friends with the trees and welcome the wind. Wander through all the nooks and crannies of the forest and find the image of yourself. Go home to the forest when your heart aches and you need to heal. The soul finds rest there. If things go wrong and you can't find your place, the forest is waiting.
Where Does Forest Bathing Come From?
This world conqueror can be said to have started its forest therapy journey in Japan. Named by the director of the Japanese Forestry Agency Tomohide Akiyama. It was in 1982 that the idea of combining wellness with tourism and walking in the woods was born. Since then, more and more people have been visiting the forests on weekends, not only in Japan but all over the world. Besides, a relaxing weekend is very important after the daily rush and hard work.
What Is Forest Bathing?
We've heard of walking in the woods, we go for a hike, have a rest, look around in the woods. Forest bathing is not like a traditional bath. There is no water, at least not for bathing, but you can bathe in the ocean-like atmosphere of the forest. In the sounds, colours and life of the forest. Forest bathing is a relaxation method to recharge by being more and more yourself in nature.
When bathing in the forest, we listen to our senses and this creates a deeper connection with nature. We also experience a deeper connection with ourselves, which has many physical, mental and spiritual effects. Forest bathing reunites us with our roots, with who we really are.
What Works Well For Us In The Forest?
The human soul and nervous system are affected by the sounds of the forest, the rustle of the breeze, the sound of the trees and the splash of water. This is when the human regenerative self-repair processes are activated. The active components of the forest experience the diversity of the forest and reduce exposure to violence.
5 tips To Pactising A Perfect Forest Bathing
Leave Your Devices Behind
Never take your electrical devices with you when forest bathing. If you still have it with you turn them off or make them silent so they can't disturbe you during your walk. All the push notifications only distract you from your relaxation. Stay in the forest both physically and mentally.
Do Not Plan Your Route Or Follow A Path
To avoid stress, let the trees guide you on your way and not the signs or signals. This can only get you confused about where you should be going. So don't take a map with you. If you happen to stumble across a landmark that's fine, but it's not the primary goal.
Soak Up The Atmosphere
That is why you must not have anything distracting. You should not even look at your watches all the time. Instead, let's listen to the sounds of nature, let's take in the delight nature gives you, let's count the rings of trees and take a good look around. See what surrounds you. Let's have a destination, not for your body, but for your mind.
Be Always Quiet
If you are with some company, don't take the opportunity to talk during forest bathing. Enjoy your surroundings and connect with the nature. Let your mind and your body move you wherever they want to take you. You can catch up with your friends after by having a cup of tea.
Mindfulness
Release all of your stress and try not to think about your issues or negative things that may have happened to you during the week or month. The aim here is to completely clear your mind and use this time to escape from all the noise and rushing life you live during the week.
Don't Rush Anywhere
It is not a race. You can take as many breaks as you wish and really soak everything in. Perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the nature all around you.
Have you tried forest bathing before? If not I hope this article gave you an idea about it.
...and you will also help the author collect more tips.
I've never been to the forest since I graduated from elementary! Oh, my, I suddenly miss going to the forest upon reading this. The sound of nature's calling me and it yearns me more. All I can do now is to remember those good old days.