Have you ever heard of forest bathing? It has little to do with conventional bathing, but it is at least as relaxing. In the tranquillity of the forest, you can find peace and quiet - and do something good for your health.
The practice of forest bathing - like many a health trend - originally comes from Japan. It became famous there in the 1980s as a relaxation method under the name "Shinrin Yoku". Translated, "Shinrin Yoku" means "taking a bath in the forest air". It is about immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest, leaving your stressful everyday life behind you, focusing all your attention on the here and now and becoming more aware of your surroundings with all your senses. Forest bathing has positive effects on the psyche and on physical health. And the best thing about it: you need absolutely nothing - except a little time and a piece of forest.
Just give it a try
How do you go about forest bathing? There are actually no specific rules. The only important thing is that you are not distracted by your cell phone, conversations or music in your ears when you are in the forest. You should experience the forest with all your senses. Deliberately stroll slowly through the forest (and feel free to leave the marked paths if permitted), feel the bitter bark of the trees, smell the earthy scent of the fertile soil. You are completely free in your approach. Which paths you take or where you linger longer is up to you. The aim is to completely calm down and forget your problems and worries for the moment of forest bathing.
Good for mental and physical health
- On the one hand, physical activity stimulates the circulation and improves blood flow to muscles and organs. When the body is in motion, endorphins are released, which promote well-being and even have a pain-relieving function.
- In addition, the levels of the stress hormones cholesterol and cortisol fall, which has a health-promoting effect on the cardiovascular system.
- Just a few deep breaths of fresh, moist forest air lower blood pressure.
- There is usually hardly any noise in the forest, which causes stress in people. The smells in the forest also have a calming effect.
Watch out, ticks!
It is currently the peak tick season. Of course, you can still go forest bathing - here are a few tips on how best to protect yourself from ticks.
SWICA Health World
More information on the health-promoting effects of the forest can be found in the SWICA Health World.
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