Approximately one-quarter of respondents in a recent Canadian survey said they were either very stressed out or fairly stressed out most days. Finding efficient stress management techniques is essential as by 2050, over half of the world’s population is expected to reside in cities.
Originally a Japanese technique involving immersing oneself in nature and using the senses, forest bathing provides a straightforward and effective method for people to connect with the natural world and lower stress levels.
Of course, people seeking other stress-relieving options—some of the best ones online—are also those who might not have easy access to woods or other green places. Virtual game excitement and cerebral stimulation may help offset everyday stresses, with the focus needed to achieve mindfulness—excitement and calmness without the forest.
This post will focus on how to find healthy and efficient ways to relax in nature (of course there’s no set restriction about bringing your favorite online game), which is essential for general well-being in an increasingly urbanized society. Before we start, a quick advice is to try out several approaches and see what suits your needs and situation the best.
What is Forest Bathing?
Increasingly more Canadians are engaging in forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, which is the practice of spending time in a forest setting and experiencing nature with the senses. Developed as a public health campaign to promote people to spend more time in woods for their physical and emotional well-being, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries first used the term in 1982.
Forest bathing is about slowing down, being present, and deliberately interacting with the natural environment, unlike hiking or other outdoor activities that may have a purpose or physical goal. Important components are breathing deeply, moving slowly, taking in the finer points of nature, and interacting with the surroundings with all five senses.
The physiological and psychological advantages of forest bathing have been well shown by several studies. Time spent in forests has been demonstrated to greatly lessen stress levels and the stress hormone cortisol. Through boosting the activity of natural killer cells, which combat infections and cancer, forest settings have also been shown to enhance immune system performance.
Studies indicate that even little periods of time—between 20 and 120 minutes—in nature can have a discernible positive impact on wellbeing.
The combination of sensory immersion, relaxation, and a reprieve from the demands of modern life probably add to the curative power of forest bathing, even if further study is required to completely understand the mechanisms behind these effects.
These inherent immunological boosting properties have been associated with exposure to phytoncides, the essential oils released by trees. Apart from the advantages for physical health, forest bathing has been demonstrated to improve mental clarity, focus, and mood. Perfect as a prelude for when you wish to engage your mind online.
How to Have Forest Baths
With so many woods and easily accessible green spaces in cities, Canada provides plenty of chances for forest bathing; if you ever visit, you may do the same (or choose a location close to you).
Start by locating a good spot, such a park, woodland, or other green area close by. Make sure you have enough time to unwind without feeling pressured, and pick a place to feel safe and comfortable.
Breathe deeply a few times and pay attention to your senses to start. Take in the sights, sounds, smells, and textures all about you. Starting cautiously, keep an open, curious mind as you take in your surroundings. Pause now and again to take in the little things, such as the way bark feels against your skin or the sound of birdsong.
Start simple and plan brief sessions, then progressively extend and frequency of your forest bathing experiences to become a regular self-care habit. To enhance your practice, think about bringing friends or family along, or use guided audio tapes. Recall that consistency counts; even little, frequent forest bathing can have a compounding effect over time.
Forest bathing is becoming popular in Canada as interest in holistic stress management and nature-based therapies increases. The technique is consistent with the healing properties of nature and the link to land that are stressed in traditional Indigenous ways of knowing. As an easy and accessible approach to lower stress, sharpen mental clarity, and develop a stronger sense of connection with the natural world, forest bathing can enhance current wellness regimens.
Clear Mind, Clear Thoughts
With so many scientifically supported benefits for stress reduction and general wellbeing, forest bathing is easily accessible for many people in Canada because to its various natural areas and range of temperatures (remember, cold bathing is also good).
Canadians (and you) can access a potent source of resilience and repair by deliberately spending time to engage with nature through the senses. So, what are you waiting for? You will soon thank your body, mind, and spirit.