The benefits of "Forest Bathing"

Looking for a new coping skill? Have you heard of forest bathing The practice, which originated in Japan,

called forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku. Shinrin in Japanese means “forest,” and yoku means “bath.” So

shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses.

This is not exercise, or hiking, or jogging. It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our

senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Shinrin-yoku is like a bridge. By opening our senses, it

bridges the gap between us and the natural world.

So how do you do it?

First task is to find a spot. Make sure you silence your cell phone and all other devices. You are going to

be walking aimlessly and slowly. Let your body be your guide. Listen to where it wants to take you. And

take your time. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get anywhere. You are not going anywhere. You are

savoring the sounds, smells and sights of nature and letting the forest in.

The key to unlocking the power of the forest is in the five senses. Let nature enter through your ears,

eyes, nose, mouth, hands and feet. Listen to the birds singing and the breeze rustling in the leaves of the

trees. Look at the different greens of the trees and the sunlight filtering through the branches. Smell the

scents of the forest. Taste the freshness of the air as you take deep breaths.

Here are some reasons why forest bathing may be something you would like to try:

1. Does not require a certain level of physical fitness.

2. Can do it alone or with friends.

3. No “wrong” way to do it.

4. You can forest bath in hot or cold, rain or sunshine.

5. You really don’t even need a forest- a park or a garden will do just fine!

6. Even a small amount of time in nature can have an impact on our health.

This is just another tool to add to your toolbox! Here at Sugar Loaf Mental Wellness we are all about

teaching and giving you the tools you need to live a happy and healthy life!