We have been told that fresh air and being out in nature is good for us, forest bathing gives us the science behind the saying.
Forest bathing or Shinrin -Yoku (a term created in 1982 by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) is the practice of spending time in nature- to live in the present moment while immersing your senses in nature, taking in all that is around you. The idea is simple, yet the results have been found to have a profound positive impact on our health and wellbeing.
Trees and other plants emit phytoncides, airborne chemical compounds that have antibacterial and antifungal qualities to help the plants fight disease and invading insects. Breathing in these same compounds has been found to boost the human immune system. By increasing the amount and activity of Natural Killer cells (a type of white blood cell responsible for killing tumor and virus infected cells in our bodies), phytoncides increase our body’s ability to fight against illness and disease. While all plants emit phytoncides, some of the biggest producers are evergreens; pine, spruce, cedar, fir.
Other health benefits from forest bathing include: lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, decreased levels of stress hormones cortisol & adrenaline, as well as reduced feelings of anxiety, anger, fatigue and depression. A reduction in sympathetic nerve activity (our bodies flight or fight response) and increase in parasympathetic nerve activity (responsible for resting and relaxing) were also noted. These results have been linked to reduced risk of chronic illness as well as cardiovascular & metabolic improvements.
Studies have shown that spending as little as 20 minutes a day in nature can produce these positive changes in our bodies. There is no need for strenuous activity or travel, making forest bathing achievable to all. Just find a quiet area in nature that you enjoy. Take some time to sit, slow down, feel the elements and breathe in all the goodness the forest has to offer!
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