The calming benefits of spending time in nature are well documented. Humans are designed to be outdoors. Your brain is wired to respond to the smells, sights, and sensations you receive outside.
Watch this week’s video to find out why daily time outside makes you healthier and happier.
https://youtu.be/xG2gUrzB0_s
In Japan, we practice something called forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku. Shinrin in Japanese means “forest,” and yoku means “bath.” So shinrin-yoku literally means forest bath or to bathe in the atmosphere of nature!
With the busy world of technology it can be hard to slow down and unplug to connect with our surroundings in a meaningful way. The benefits of spending time outside and unplugged are backed by science.
When it comes to forest bathing there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s different for everyone and it is important to find a place that suits you.
If you love the smell of damp soil, you might be drawn to a forest that is heavily wooded with water nearby. Maybe you’re more drawn to fields or a body of water that reminds you of your childhood or of happy times in the past. Anywhere that you feel peaceful and happy will do!
Just remember to leave your phone, camera, and other technology at home so you can really slow down and be aware of your surroundings.
Here are 4 more reasons you should reconnect with nature:
1. Decreased Stress
Studies have shown that people who are exposed to nature have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. People who spent more time in nature, or could see nature through a window in their office reported higher job and life satisfaction. Patients who could see nature from their hospital bed even healed faster! Reduce stress = lower blood pressure, increased immune function, and improved mood!
2. Positivity Increases
David Suzuki performed a study where participants spent 30 minutes in nature each day. All of the participants said their personal well-being increase and that they were happier and more positive!
3. Boosts Mental Energy
Taking a 15-30 minute walk or spending a few minutes to take in the natural sights your area has to offer can slow you down and make you feel connected to something bigger. This connection can help stabilize moods and reduce anxiety!
4. Increases Short Term Memory
A study out of the University of Michigan showed that walking through a forest when compared to walking down a paved street, improved the short term memory of participants! So taking a walk through your local green space could actually help you to remember where you left your keys.
You can forest bathe anywhere in the world, with any kind of weather, at any time of day! You don’t even need a forest, whatever qualifies as nature to you will do!
Tell us what your favourite place in nature is! Mine is a rocky shoreline on a lake up north.
