How ‘nature bathing’ can heal you
In Japan, people are having “nature baths”to find peace and recovery. Having a nature bath means immersing yourself in nature for hours and soaking up its sights, smells and sounds. Here’s how you can dip a toe in this powerful practice.
In modern-day society, outdoor life consists mainly of walking from the car to office, doing the local groceries or going to the supermarket. Surveys showed that we spend almost 90% of our time inside. As a result, we’ve become more and more disconnected from nature and its potential to heal, nurture and provide sustenance.
In Japan, one of the world’s most densely populated countries – walking mindfully through nature and the forests has become a way of dealing with the stresses , anxieties of a very fast-paced life. Shinrin-yoku, which literally translates In Japan “Nature” and “forest bathing” has become an officially recognised therapy in Japan and has entered the country’s national health care programme.
Bathing in nature is believed to have powerful mental and physical health benefits. More and more research shows that simply being in nature and forest and absorbing its atmosphere with your senses has a restorative effect on the body and mind. Some of the science-backed effects are reduced stress levels, an improved and continuous sleep, better focus, more creativity, accelerated recovery from illness, a stronger immune system and a higher sense of overall happiness.
Ready to bathe into nature ?
Even a single nature bathing trip can help you slow down and relax your body, your hormones and your mind, but research suggests that you should go nature & forest bathing every one to four weeks to fully enjoy the health benefits of this amazing practise.To get started, all you need is your five senses and a forest.
You can find a trail to practice this amazing technique or you can essentially go forest bathing in any wooded area. You can take a nature bath in solitude, or you can go with others if that makes you feel more comfortable. It is essential to leave your phone at home or at least make sure it’s turned off during your nature bathing trip.
Spend a few hours in nature while doing nothing but fully experiencing your surroundings with your senses wide open. The scents of the trees, the smell of the earth, the sounds of birds, the feeling of the wind, the touch of the sunlight on your skin as it falls through the trees.Be present , do nothing and let the nature work its wonders.
