What is Forest Bathing?

Forest bathing is a popular Japanese practice that promotes relaxation. In Japan, it’s known as ‘shinrin yoku’. It involves going to a forest where it is quiet and calm and observing the nature around you.

While you’re in the forest, you perform some deep breathing exercises that are designed to calm your mind and relax your whole body. Deep breathing is known to activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with reduced stress and anxiety.

Here are some top tips for forest bathing:

• Find somewhere to sit down in the forest so that you can observe your surroundings
• Leave your phone at home so you aren’t distracted by notifications or work emails
• Take slow and meaningful walks to avoid raising your heart rate too much and activate the sympathetic nervous system
• Really open your eyes and take in the amazing nature around you. Look at the beautiful patterns and bright colors. Truly observe, see, notice, and discover.