Benefits of forest bathing and why you should try it this fall
Forest bathing isn't just a regular walk in the woods; it's a way to rejuvenate and clear your mind.
This ancient Japanese practice is all about slowing down and feeling the “awe” of the forest. In Japanese, it’s called shinrin-yoku.
How do I know if I’m actually forest bathing?
Forest medicine experts emphasize the importance of slowing down and really absorbing the forest. You should be using all your senses as you walk through the forest.
Ben Porchuck, co-founder at Global Institute of Forest Therapy and Nature Connection, says the following things may occur when you forest bathe:
Heart rate slows
Shoulders will naturally drop
Breathing gets deeper
Worries and anxiety subside
Cortisol production slows down and you enter into calmness
How long should I forest bathe?
Forest bathing can be a time investment if you really want to get the most out of your forest bathing session. Patricia Baldwin, who is a member of INFOM suggests, “two hours over a 2.5-kilometre distance. Or if you have some more time, double that up to 4 hours over a 5-kilometre distance.”
Watch the video above as Health and Weather host Rachel Schoutsen takes you on a walk through the forest and reveals some interesting studies showcasing how the forest can really work as your therapist.
