© Shutterstock

What is forest bathing? -

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a stress management technique that involves heading to a forest or another fauna-heavy location and using all five senses to reconnect with nature.

© Shutterstock

What is forest bathing? -

The practice originated in Japan and is believed to be beneficial for both the body and soul.

© Shutterstock

Benefits -

According to Dr. Qing Li, author of ‘Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness,’ forest bathing can be used as a preventative medicine against illnesses such as cancer, strokes, gastric ulcers, depression, anxiety, and stress.

© Shutterstock

Benefits -

This is because the practice has been shown to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and aid sleep.

© Shutterstock

Origins -

Forest bathing as a concept started in Japan in the 1980s, but Japanese people had already been enjoying walks in the forest for centuries.

© Shutterstock

Origins -

As studies began to emerge that showed forest bathing could have tangible health benefits, the practice was incorporated into the country’s health program.

© Shutterstock

Origins -

Benefits of forest bathing that were proven by studies included reduced blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, and improved concentration and memory.

© Shutterstock

Origins -

Phytoncides, a chemical released by trees and plants, was also found to boost the immune system.

© Shutterstock

Growing popularity -

Now it looks as if shinrin-yoku may be incorporated into Western medicine, with talks of it becoming part of the ‘social prescribing’ movement in England's NHS.

© Shutterstock

Growing popularity -

The ‘social prescribing’ movement recognizes that health can be affected by a number of factors, many of which are not physical but social.

© Shutterstock

Growing popularity -

Social factors that can affect health include employment, housing, debt, social isolation, and culture.

© Shutterstock

Growing popularity -

Where traditional medical treatments do not help with socially-induced health problems, doctors are prescribing non-clinical activities such as volunteering and sports.

© Shutterstock

Growing popularity -

Now general practitioners in Surrey, England have expressed an interest in prescribing forest-bathing.

© Shutterstock

Growing popularity -

The Forest Bathing Institute is currently training people to become practice guides.

© Shutterstock

Growing popularity -

The practice of forest bathing was even a hit with Kate Middleton, who used her forest bathing experience as inspiration for the garden she designed at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2019.

© Getty Images

Who can do it? -

The answer to this is simple: everyone! With the average American now spending more than 90% of their time indoors, it has never been more important for us all to get out and reconnect with nature.

© Shutterstock

Who can do it? -

It doesn't matter if you don't have a forest nearby–simply head to any place where you can see trees, look at the sky, and hear birds singing.

© Shutterstock

Who can do it? -

If this is not possible, simply taking off your shoes in the park and feeling the grass between your toes will help you to de-stress.

© Shutterstock

Who can do it? -

The more time spent practicing, the better. But even a small amount of time spent in nature can have a positive effect on our health.

© Shutterstock

How can I do it? -

Firstly, find a spot in nature where you will be able to stroll around at a leisurely pace.

© Shutterstock

A natural haven -

There is no ‘one size fits all’ location, so choose a place where you will feel relaxed–perhaps a place with which you have a personal connection.

© Shutterstock

Digital detox -

Be sure to leave your cell phone and camera behind. There is no need for any devices during practice.

© Shutterstock

Let go -

Start to wander freely, letting your body be your guide. Take your time–there is no final destination and it doesn’t matter if you don’t go anywhere at all.

© Shutterstock

Engage with the senses -

The key to successful practice is allowing the forest to access all five senses.

© Shutterstock

Engage with the senses -

Listen for the birdsong and look for the light rippling through the tree branches.

© Shutterstock

Engage with the senses -

Smell the dampness of the soil, taste the moisture in the air, touch the trees, and dip your fingers in the stream.

© Shutterstock

Nurture your connection with nature -

The more deeply you manage to connect with the natural world, the more beneficial the practice will be.

See also: The enchanted forests that look like they're straight out of a fairy tale

© Shutterstock