Shirin-Yoku - Forest Bathing

The Japanese method for de-stressing and connecting with nature.

I am sure that most of us will have experienced the peace and joy that can be had from a walk in the woods, when you take the time to just be present in nature, to smell the leaves and the damp earth, and to hear the sounds of birds and other animals.

Along with being next to the sea, or on the hills of the Preseli's, being in woodland is one of my most favourite places to be.

The Japanese have taken this one stage further and have given this a specific name "shinrin-yoku" which translates as forest bathing. The concept was developed in the 1980's as a way of combating the stresses of life within Japan. This was backed up by research in 2004 to demonstrate the benefits of being in nature and how this can boost your immune system just be being in a forest and breathing in the atmosphere.

I have attached a link below that will take you to a short film that was made in Canada about Forest bathing and the physical and mental health benefits that it can give.

https://www.ami.ca/category/documentaries/media/forest-bathing-rooted-science

If you are not able to get fully into the woods, maybe try just sitting with a tree in a local park or in your garden.

However you do it, try and get into nature!

It's good for you!