Forest Bathing

A play on words, and a topic that is massively popularized in media and social platforms – it rustles in the press leaf forest and gathers ‘thumbs up followers’ across the world.

 

Forest bathing is Shinrin Yoku in Japanese, and Japan the country of origin that gave the direction.

 

Forest bathing is a particularly organized form of natural encounter and relaxation, which I would like to recommend to you here.

 

Forest bathing is more than just a walk between trees.

 

It is immersion in the pleasant atmosphere of tree landscape, where it smells spicy, the light shimmers through the swaying tree tops. Where we are surrounded by fascinating sound, where the air is clear and fresh.

 

You can feel how the forest grounds us. Fruity tree scents develop a pleasant aroma and let us breathe a sigh of relief. Our breathing is deeper and stress evaporates.

 

Forest fragrance is special and healing. Science speaks of the biophilia effect, the love for all living things: Going into the forest, breathing in the scent and letting the green act on you has a proven healing effect.

 

“In the forest, the communicable immune system of humans meets the communicating plants”, adds Austrian biologist and plant scientist Clemens G. Arvay. The essential oils contained in the forest air seem to play a role in this. They are produced by conifers to protect themselves from damaging influences such as heat or parasites. When staying in the forest, we absorb these oils through our skin and lungs.
The so-called terpenes, which can also be distilled as an aromatic-scented oil, are considered to be particularly health-promoting.

 

Just a few minutes in the green are enough to noticeably reduce stress hormones. The cortisol level is lowered and enzymes, which are released during stress, are broken down. Medical experience shows that patients who look out of the hospital window on green get better faster. People living in such an environment are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
The color green has a calming effect on the vegetative nervous system.
The lower temperatures in the forest are pleasant and activating, the resilient natural floor is good for joints and limbs.

 

Enter the forest focused and aimless, experience and enjoy it as if it were the first time.
Direct your attention at the moment and at yourself. Be aware of the colors, sounds and smells. Feel the air on your skin.
Lie down in the moss, touch bark, weave grasses, collect fruits.
Balance over trunks, jump over stumps. Look into the distance and enjoy the green.
Watch your breath – your mind will gradually calm down and you will find peace.

 

In the forest we feel connected to ourselves again. Connected with our essence.

 

Go bathing – do it soon and again and again!