How often have you been told that one of the best things you can do for your health is to take a nice walk? Combining your walk with a meditation practice known as forest bathing is not only good for your physical health, but it can also be beneficial for your mental health.
According to the Global Wellness Institute, Forest bathing and forest therapy (or shinrin-yoku) broadly means taking in, in all of one’s senses, the forest atmosphere. We are not talking about a simple walk in the woods. Immersing yourself in the forest it is the conscious and contemplative practice of taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. This practice was developed in Japan during the 1980s, has become a prescribed treatment for stress-related conditions in the country.
In fact, according to wellness practitioners, forest bathing doesn’t even have to take place in a forest. The practice is essentially a slow, mindful walk in nature where you pay close attention to your surroundings, using all of your senses. It gives you time to switch your brain off and give yourself a break from the stressors of your very busy day.
Here are a few ways you can incorporate forest bathing into your routine:
During a meal – Put some focus into the environment and observe the world going on around you by having a meal in your yard or on a patio, weather permitting. Or grow herbs in your kitchen. It’s an easy way to bring something natural and fragrant into your routine without requiring too much work.
At work – Getting your forest bath in the office can be good for both you and your work. That could mean going on a weekly lunch walk with a work friend or taking a break to look out the window or even bringing a plant into your office. If you have meetings in small groups, you could suggest taking the meeting while walking or sitting outside.
Limited movement – Mobility isn’t always accessible to everyone, and while moving outside is optimal, there are other ways. Videos online can take you through photos and videos of the natural world, with narration guiding your attention. An essential oil diffuser can also help if loaded with pine or evergreen scents, since much of the benefit of forest bathing comes from breathing in the organic compounds trees emit.
And if meditation is not exactly your cup of tea, go out for that walk. Fresh air and exercise are always beneficial.
