Shinrin-yoku, or Forest bathing, is growing in popularity across London as more people look for alternative and low-cost methods to alleviate stress and improve mental wellbeing.
A wellbeing practice introduced by the Japanese government in 1982, it involves taking a mindful walk through a green space and engaging all senses – sight, sound, smell and touch – to slow down and reconnect with the natural world.
Research has found that forest bathing has significant therapeutic benefits such reducing cortisol (the stress hormone), pulse rate and blood pressure, as well as considerably improving symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Forests are also full of the antimicrobial compounds, phytoncides, which provide a boost to the immune system when inhaled.
Susanne Meis, founder of Meet in Nature and The Forest Bathing Institute host at Kew Gardens, said more generally, participants are often surprised by how deeply relaxed they feel after a session, and compares it to spending a “beautiful day at the spa”.
Meis’ current passion is helping women in professional environments prevent burnout by recharging in nature.
Kew Gardens are offering guided forest bathing sessions from June until October, but advocates of forest bathing say anyone can experience the benefits by slowing down and reconnecting with nature in their nearest green space.
How to forest bathe
- Find a quiet, green space near you. It can be a forest, a park, a field.
- Keep your phone switched off to help you stay mindful.
- Walk slowly through the space and take moments to sit down somewhere comfortable.
- Engage each of your senses one by one. Listen to the sounds of the space you’re in. Feel the sunlight or the breeze on your face. Observe colours, shapes and patterns mindfully. Touch tree bark or grass and inhale the scent of the earth.
- Take your time. Two hours is recommended to get the optimal benefits of tree bathing, but even 10 minutes can boost your mood.
Feature image: Roxana Diba
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