Why you should try forest bathing
It's no secret that spending time in nature has a whole host of benefits. The research is pretty clear on this point, but it's also something most people can intuitively understand. Spending time outside can reduce stress and improve your mental health, among other things. But have you heard of forest bathing? If not, it's basically just another word for taking a walk in the woods—but there are some important differences between this type of exercise and just going for a hike on your own.
There are a lot of benefits to getting outside and nature.
There are many benefits to getting outside and enjoying nature. Here are some of the main ones:
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Relaxation. Spending time in nature can help you relax, which is good for your health. You'll feel less stressed and more calm after a walk or hike through a park than if you'd stayed indoors all day long!
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Vitamin D from sun exposure (if it's not too hot out). The sun gives us vitamin D, so if there's some sun where you live then get out there! It doesn't take much time at all--just 15 minutes should be enough to get enough vitamin D into your system for the day depending on how much skin was exposed during that time frame (the more skin exposed = higher chance of getting enough). If there isn't any direct sunlight available during certain seasons then consider taking supplements instead until spring comes around again next year."
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is all about being in nature and soaking up the natural world.
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is all about being in nature and soaking up the natural world. It's not just about spending time in the forest; it's about being truly present with what you're experiencing.
You might think that this idea of "forest bathing" sounds a little strange at first--what does it mean to take in a forest atmosphere? But once you start looking into it more deeply, it becomes clear that there are lots of benefits to getting out into nature on purpose and immersing yourself in its beauty.
It's generally thought to be a good idea to spend time in nature, but what exactly are you supposed to do?
You can do anything you want, really. You don't have to go on an actual hike, but if you want to take a walk through the woods and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, that's great! If sitting still sounds like your jam right now, then sit still! And if getting up and walking around quickly (or slowly) makes more sense based on how much energy you have in this moment--go with it!
There's no wrong way to experience forest bathing; all that matters is that we're paying attention to our bodies' needs when engaging in a mindful activity like this one. And remember: electronics are allowed as long as they aren't distracting from or taking away from whatever experience is happening right now.
You don't have to go on an actual hike, though that is an option.
Forest bathing is a practice that has been around since the 1980's. It's a simple activity that anyone can do, anywhere. You don't have to go on an actual hike, though that is an option. If you're not feeling up for a full day in the woods, try these ideas instead:
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Go to your local park or forest and sit down on a bench or rock and breathe deeply while looking around at what nature has created around you.
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Walk slowly through areas where there are trees; notice how they look different from each other, how they smell different from each other (if they do), how tall they are compared to other things nearby...etc., until eventually walking becomes meditating because all of these sensory inputs have engaged parts of your brain related specifically with mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga!
You can also simply spend time sitting on rocks or logs, on the ground and letting yourself relax into your surroundings.
You can also simply spend time sitting on rocks or logs, on the ground and letting yourself relax into your surroundings. You might even want to lie down and take a nap! You can try looking up at the sky, or closing your eyes and listening to sounds around you. It's important not to bring any electronics with you when doing this--cell phones can be distracting because they're always buzzing with notifications or ringing in our pockets.
If forest bathing isn't enough for you yet, there are plenty of other ways for people who live in cities like New York City (or any other urban environment) access nature:
Some people like to walk around slowly, while others prefer moving quickly through the woods.
When you're out in the woods, you can walk or hike as slowly or quickly as you like. You may even want to try moving quickly through the woods! However, if running is your thing and it helps you stay active and healthy, then by all means go ahead--just don't run in the forest.
When sitting down on a bench or rock in nature:
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Sit still for a few minutes and listen closely for any sounds around you (birds singing, wind rustling leaves etc). If nothing catches your attention after five minutes of listening intently then consider moving somewhere else where there might be more activity going on around us humans so we don't feel so alone when we're out there enjoying nature's wonders together with other human beings who share our passions for fresh air & exercise outdoors too!
When you're in nature, you should try not to bring any electronics with you.
When you're in nature, try not to bring any electronics with you. This includes your smartphone, laptop and tablet. You may be tempted to bring an e-reader or gaming console as well, but these items can also be distracting and will take away from the experience of being outside.
Forest bathing is understudied but appears promising as a way of reducing stress and improving mental health
Forest bathing is a practice that has been around for a long time. It originated in Japan, and it's a way of taking time out of your day to be in nature. There are many benefits associated with forest bathing, including reduced stress levels and improved mental health.
However, there hasn't been much research into this technique yet; most studies have only looked at its effects on physical health (like blood pressure), not mental health specifically.
End thoughts.
If you're looking for a way to reconnect with nature and improve your mental health, forest bathing might be a good option. It doesn't require much effort or money, so it's easy to give it a try. Just remember not to bring any electronics with you so that your attention can stay focused on the natural world around us!
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