Forest bathing: an antidote to modern life?

With a slight downswing in 2020 – because of you-know-what – life seems to get busier every year. When was the last time you really slowed down, got outside and basked in birdsong?

But a little time spent ‘forest bathing’ could be just thing we need right now. Forest bathing is an English translation of the Japanese ‘shinrin-yoku’. While the concept sounds esoteric, it simply means spending quiet, mindful time in nature, breathing deeply and clearing the mind. The term emerged in Japan in the 1980s as an antidote to modern burnout and to inspire people to reconnect with and protect local forests. In the 1990s, scientific research supported what we know instinctively – time spent in nature is good for us.

While the concept has recently become more widely known, the practice isn’t new, or confined to Japan. Many cultures connect human health with biophilia – an innate, biologically-driven need to commune with nature. Trees release phytoncides – protective airborne essential oils that naturally boost immunity, providing health benefits that can last for weeks.

While the concept has recently become more widely known, the practice isn’t new, or confined to Japan. Many cultures connect human health with biophilia – an innate, biologically-driven need to commune with nature. Trees release phytoncides – protective airborne essential oils that naturally boost immunity, providing health benefits that can last for weeks.

Forest bathing is ideal for us city types – the practice can be as simple as walking in nature and connecting with the green environment around you.

Like to try forest bathing this weekend? Head to aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for a list of parks and walks. (Large parts of the Wait-akere Ranges and Hunua Ranges are currently closed to curb kauri dieback).

Get the most from forest bathing:

Switch off
Disconnecting from the everyday world (especially your devices) will help you unwind.

Breathe deeply
Listen to your breathing and observe the rhythm of your breath.

Take it slow
By walking slowly and mindfully, you’ll notice more and immerse yourself in the green space more quickly.

Use your senses
Reach out to touch a tree, look up at the canopy, listen to birdsong, inhale a deep whiff, and ask yourself how the experience makes you feel.

Sit and observe
You might be surprised how much you notice when you sit quietly.

Stay awhile
Two hours is best, but even 30 minutes goes a long way.

ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz