{"id":62132,"date":"2020-09-19T23:13:11","date_gmt":"2020-09-19T23:13:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/?p=62132"},"modified":"2024-07-15T15:33:20","modified_gmt":"2024-07-15T15:33:20","slug":"forest-bathing-what-is-it-and-should-you-try-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/articles\/forest-bathing-what-is-it-and-should-you-try-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Forest bathing: what is it and should you try it?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What exactly is forest bathing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it may sound like something you do while camping, forest bathing is actually a great activity to add to your wellness routine. An increasingly popular form of nature therapy, forest bathing takes the concept of being outside for wellness a step farther. This isn\u2019t the same as running trails, hiking, or biking in your local park (though we still definitely recommend those for exercise!). In fact, forest bathing and nature therapy aren\u2019t exercise at all. Forest bathing<\/a> actually comes from a Japanese method of connecting with nature through your senses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most people don\u2019t get enough fresh air, let alone spend any extensive time in nature. Especially now, people tend to spend the majority of their day indoors and connected to electronic devices. Whether it\u2019s a stressful job, or just scrolling through feeds and binging the latest Netflix show, it\u2019s easy to forget about what\u2019s happening outside your window. Even when people do go outside, it usually involves a lot of activity, like camping, boating, or hiking. Forest bathing takes a different approach, encouraging people to take a moment and just be present in the natural world, without any extra exertion. Forest therapy is a way to disconnect and reset, and can be very healing for your emotional well-being. Similarly, forest bathing instructs us to discover our connection to nature, specifically trees, and experience the sights, smells, and sensations on a deeper level. Best of all, this form of nature therapy is totally free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wellness benefits of forest bathing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Can simply walking through a forest really make that much of a difference? Science says yes, forest bathing has real health benefits<\/a>. Researchers conducted a study that compared how individuals felt before and after experiencing different environments. One group walked through an urban city environment, and the other through a natural forest environment. Surprisingly, the group that walked in the forest showed significantly reduced pulse rates, and increased scores for vigor (energy) compared to the city and control groups. They also reported decreased scores for depression, fatigue, anxiety, and confusion. In short, being in nature made people happier and less stressed. When paired with increased mindfulness, the benefits of forest therapy include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n