forest bathing
Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin Yoku in Japan, is spending time in nature, walking among trees. It’s called 'bathing’ ,because people immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the woodland, noticing the smells, sights ,sounds and textures.
It has become increasingly popular as an antidote to the increasing amount of time people spend on technological devices such as laptops, phones and tablets. Research has discovered many health benefits including lowering of stress hormone cortisol, improving immunity, lowering blood pressure, supporting breathing, and better mood.
One of the fabulous things about forest bathing is that it can be completely free if you are within walking distance to a green space or very low expense with just transport costs. It's a great compliment to your paid for wellness support.
It doesn't have to be a huge forest, even a local park can be a good space to find a variety of trees, listen to birdsong and just breathe fresher air than sitting at home.
Another great aspect is that you can do it alone, or with a friend, partner, family or group.
All you need is appropriate clothing- raincoat and wellies for wet days, sunscreen and hat for warm days and warm clothing for winter walks. It’s a good idea to take a bottle of water and a snack too, especially if you won't be near any shops.
You can tailor your forest bathing to your energy levels, maybe you just want to walk for an hour at a leisurely pace, maybe you want to exert more energy and take a hike or run.
I personally like to just take it slow, and tend to go on a Sunday when I am not working so I have more time to enjoy the experience.
Living in South West Wiltshire my personal recommendations are:
King Alfred’s Tower, Stourhead Estate -Beautiful woodland, and so peaceful. Car park is available next to the woods but does get busy.
Shearwater, Crockerton Warminster The smell of the pine trees is gorgeous, I actually love visiting in the darker time of the year from Halloween to Winter Solstice as it has a magical feel to me. I have spotted dragonflies there too which I love to see as they are a symbol of resilience.
Warminster Nature Reserve, Warminster- Lovely for a short walk if you are in the centre of town as you really feel an escape from the busier areas.
White Sheet Hill ,Mere, For more of an uphill walk this is great and also an opportunity for good views along the Mere Downs.
Duncliffe Woods near Shaftesbury North Dorset. Lots of different paths and car park is located nearby.
Sometimes I will take my phone out to take some photographs, but I try to put it on airplane mode if possible so I can have a break from emails and text. This way I can let my brain settle and I find I am calmer just by listening to the sound of my footsteps, birds chirping and looking at all the greenery. I like to look out for animals such as squirrels, rabbits and deer. It's a great practice to incorporate into your weekly wellbeing.
If you are unable to walk at the moment, perhaps you can take an activity you already like doing such as reading, knitting or drawing but take it outside to get the benefits of nature. Let me know where you like to be in nature and what you enjoy doing, I’d love to hear from you.