Benefits of Forest Bathing
Saturday, I lead a gorgeous Release Namaste All Day Retreat in Weston, Missouri. A picture-perfect day to be in nature. Walking in the woods, forest bathing.
Forest bathing? What is that? No, it doesn’t involve soap or a bathtub in the wild.
Forest bathing is a therapeutic technique in which you immerse yourself in a forest environment while focusing on the experience through your 5 senses (sight, sound, smell, taste and touch)
This week I want each of you to take a forest bath. Even a 15-minute forest bath.
Find a quiet place in nature.
TURN OFF YOUR PHONE.
Surround yourself with trees. Trees release phytoncides which are essential oils that protect themselves from germs and insects. We benefit from these aromas to help our breathing, cardiovascular system and boost our immunity.
Other benefits of forest bathing include:
- Decrease in stress hormones including adrenaline and cortisol.
- Decrease in inflammation.
- Enhanced emotional state.
- Increase metabolic state.
- Increasing relaxation in the body and brain
- Boosting creativity
- Improved sleep
Reflection Questions:
How can you incorporate forest bathing into your weekly routine?
What you do you really want to let go of in your life?
Who will you become if you look at life from a different perspective?
