Why do people take a Forest Bath?
By 2050 it is expected that 66% of the world's population will live in cities. According to a study sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American already spends 93% of his time indoors. We live in an era of disconnection of the natural world.
"Look deep Into Nature then you will Understand Everything Better"
At the start of this alienation of nature in the 1980s, there was a passionate group in Japan that held on and the benefits promoted from time to spend and simply be. They came up with the term "shinrin-yoku," which literally translated "forest baths". This has its roots in a traditional Japanese practice where people immerse itself in a natural forest environment to promote physical, mental and emotional health.
This practice is rooted in the belief that spending time in nature and in a conscious way to dealing with the natural world can have a profound influence on a person's overall health and vitality. Here are some important aspects of Shinrin-Yoku:
Attentive presence
Shinrin-Yoku encourages individuals to be fully present in the forest environment. It's not about walking or strenuous physical activity, but rather about slowing down, using all your senses and really coming into contact with the natural environment.
Sensory experience
You are encouraged to fully involve your senses. This includes observing the sights, listening to the sounds, feeling the textures of trees and plants, and smelling the scents of the forest.
Physical benefits
Modern studies have shown that spending time in natural forests can have various physical benefits, such as reduced stress, a reinforced immune system and improving overall cardiovascular health.
Mental and emotional benefits
Shinrin-Yoku is also associated with improved mental and emotional well-being. It can reduce symptoms of fear, a bleak mood and anger, while it increases energy and increases feelings of relaxation and satisfaction.
In general, Shinrin-Yoku is a practice that encourages people to slow down, reconnect with nature and to pick the many physical and mental health benefits that can offer spending time in natural environments. It has not only gained popularity in Japan, but also in other parts of the world as a way to prevent the stress of modern life and to promote holistic well -being.
Do you need some extra guidance when practicing forest baths? View some guided podcasts and playlists below, and remember that this is far from a one-size-fits-all approach. Look for places that bring your joy and offer the opportunity to relax; Some people find this in city parks, while others need places without noise pollution.
