Shinrin = Forest Yoku = Bathing
Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing is the practice of spending time in the forest for better health, happiness and a sense of calm. A pillar of Japanese culture for decades, Shinrin-Yoku is a way to reconnect with nature, from walking mindfully in the woods, to a break in your local park, to walking barefoot on your lawn.
We know that time outside has numerous health benefits, for both body and mind. A study in the journal Psychological Science, for example, found that just an hour spent walking in nature improved attention span and memory by 20%. And the benefits of forest bathing in particular – those immersive, meditative walks in nature – are becoming clear as well.
Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing
In Japan, a study in the International Journal of Biometeorology found that forest bathing reduced the blood glucose levels of diabetics by 39.7%, more than with indoor exercise. The same study also discovered that certain forest trees emit organic compounds called phytoncides, and inhaling these compounds has been proven to decrease blood pressure and improve immune system functions.
How do you practice shrinrin-yoku?
One of the wonderful things about forest bathing is that it’s incredibly easy. You don’t need any special training or gear – in fact, you don’t even need a forest! The practice is all about opening your senses, leaving your worries behind and connecting with nature, whether that’s a forest trail, a city park or your own backyard.
When you’re outside, start by pausing, taking a deep breath and focusing on the sensations around you. What do you see, smell, hear, taste and feel? Don’t rush through the experience – really explore what your five senses are telling you. Walk at a leisurely pace, with no destination or real goal. Let your body guide you. And keep your phone in your pocket – or better yet, leave it behind. The more you concentrate on what’s around you, the more fully you’ll feel the mental clarity and physical restoration that forest bathing brings.
The Northern New Jersey Cachers, NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in Northern New Jersey. For information on The Northern New Jersey Cachers group you can visit: www.nnjc.org.
nnjc.org & metrogathering.org and njpatriots.org