What is Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)?

What is Forest Bathing and how do we do it?

Forest bathing (also known as Shinrin-yoku or forest therapy) is a relaxing experience in nature that invites you to explore your connection to the world around you through your five felt senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and sometimes even taste.

The idea of connecting to nature through your senses may sound a little strange, but in truth, we are always taking in the world in this way – we are often just too busy to notice. The sun may peek out from behind a cloud to warm our skin, and then it’s gone. A bird may sing nearby for just a moment before moving on. When forest bathing, we are taking the time to notice each calming aspect of being in a peaceful spot in nature, slowing down the rush of daily life and appreciating the peace of a given moment.

Just like sunbathing, where we are simply enjoying the warmth of the sun on our skin, forest bathing is quite intuitive. It brings us out of our brains and into our bodies, helping us reduce stress and regulate our nervous system, keep connected to the passing of seasons, and improve our wellness in a variety of scientifically proven ways.

The term “forest bath” is an English translation of a Japanese wellness practice called Shinrin-yoku. Shinrin-yoku can also be translated as “taking in the forest atmosphere.” This wellness approach focuses on the specific benefits of interacting with nature in a slow and mindful way, and it is also deeply rooted in the physiological health benefits of breathing in forest air, which contains a variety of bioactive compounds that stimulate our immune system. Forest bathing is different from a hike in the forest and is not focused on learning or gaining naturalist knowledge. There is no swimming involved, and no, you don’t have to hug trees. (Unless you want too!)

A forest bath offers you the opportunity to slow down and build meaningful connections to the world around you, in a way that many of us have forgotten since our childhood years of curiosity.

Sound simple and straightforward? In a way, yes it is. But there is extensive science to back up why it is worth your time.

Background and Research

Since the 1980’s, Japanese medical doctors and researchers have investigated tangible evidence to study the effects of nature on our physical and emotional well-being. Measuring heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormone levels, and immune system indicators such as white blood cell count and activity – they have a clear goal: to show that this practice improves human health and is supported by science.

They aren’t alone in their research efforts.

There are decades of data from accredited institutions all over the world that corroborates the health benefits of spending time in nature. Across South Korea, Australia, China, the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America, the science is in: going to nature offers far more benefits than we realize. If we realized it, we would spend a LOT more time slowing down in nature!

This knowledge is at the heart of forest bathing.

How does a guided experience differ from self-guided?

As humans we tend to have a pretty big productivity bias with how we spend our time, especially here in the United States. In our daily lives a hard work ethic and checking things off our list have become the constant goal, so slowing down and doing “nothing” can be extremely hard. Even more so, the idea of leaving your phone behind can be hard to wrap your mind around (…and can even induce anxiety). Guided forest bathing can help with all of this.

During an experience with In Your Element we’ll help you slow down with an accessible and relaxing sensory meditation, breathwork patterns to regulate your nervous system, and various comfort items (based on the season we are in). You’ll be gently guided to call on your senses in a way that feels comfortable for you, helping you notice the details of nature through your senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, and sometimes even taste.

All of our programs include an intentional sequence of forest bathing invitations which are designed to help you connect to nature in new and meaningful ways. If you are new to the idea of forest bathing invitations, they are essentially observation focused activities that serve as an anchor for your time outdoors, helping you notice new things and truly come into presence while in a beautiful and natural place. You may receive these invitations verbally, through a guided meditation experience, or by a small paper scroll which you’ll open as you wander on your own through the trees.

In a guided experience you’ll also be among community and you’ll have a chance to hear about what others are noticing, helping you notice more.

Here are a few additional benefits:

• You’ll be able to take a break from watching the clock, because we’ll watch it for you.

• You’ll be led to specific forests that we have found to work well for forest bathing, with a particular emphasis on places that have certain species of trees, as well as natural features that research has shown to be particularly calming.

• You’ll get to experience research-based approaches to forest therapy, helping you better explore what this practice has to offer to you.

As humans, we are connected to nature.

We are living breathing organisms, not machines.

At IYE, we are here to help you reignite your connection to the natural world (and boost your well-being in the process).

Join us in the forest to experience the internationally recognized health and wellness benefits of nature, enhance your creativity and inspiration, and make new friends on the way.

We hope to see in the forest soon you soon!

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A Sampling of Additional Resources:

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Participant Testimonials

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