Forest Bathing

Have you ever noticed the calming effect being out in nature has on your overall state of being?

Some individuals notice it while standing on the sandy shore of a beach gazing upon the beautiful twinkling of light playing upon the waves as they roll.

In Japan, there is an intentional form of ecotherapy (nature therapy) called Shinrin-yoku, or Forest bathing.

Forest bathing is a mindful practice of connecting our senses to what we are perceiving while being in the middle of the woods (think hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and feeling within the surroundings).

While mindfulness practices themselves show a whole host of benefits to our well-being, there is research that shows that the actual oil from trees can benefit our systems.

Some of these benefits include:

• Lessening of depression

• Cortisol reduction

• Lowering blood pressure

• Relief from anxiety symptoms

• Sleep quality improvement

I personally notice a difference in my overall well-being if I have been indoors the majority of the time and haven’t connected with nature in a while.

I enjoy going to the botanical gardens where I live and have liked going to arboretums in other areas but I believe connecting with nature can be as simple as placing your feet in the grass.

Let me know if you decide to forest bathe this week and what you notice. I always love hearing from you!

Yours in wellness & healing,

Angela

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