I originally published this post in January 2014. The incredible benefits of spending time in nature is gaining a lot of press lately, including this latest article from National Geographic. I’m re-posting this as a reminder and a declaration that I promise to find some green space and go bathe in it…I hope you do too.
Here’s the original post:
Next time you’re walking in the woods, practise saying this: shinrin-yoku.
Congratulations! You’ve just said ‘forest-bathing’ (aka time spent in green spaces) in Japanese.
Forest-bathing sounds like it might involve a nasty bit of scrubbing up with sticks and moss, but is, in fact, the very real and very therapeutic act of deeply surrounding oneself in the green of nature; most especially the restorative effects of the forest.
You don’t have to remember how to pronounce it in order to get the chlorophyllic-attributes (like the amazing ability to make up words like chlorophyllic!) but I’d encourage you to try it. Studies of the effects of forest bathing include the following benefits:
- Boosts immune system
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces stress
- Improves mood
- Increases ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
- Accelerates recovery from surgery or illness
- Increases energy level
- Improves sleep
I’ve talked about the benefits of trail therapy before, but that was when we lived on the Sunshine Coast where one couldn’t escape the forest if you tried….although I wonder why would anyone try?
But now we live in the big shiny city of Vancouver. Luckily, although Canada is one of the most urban populations on the planet, Vancouver like most other urban centres in this country, is surrounded by the wonderful healing effects of that fabulous matriarch, Ms. M. Nature.
I do a lot of walking in the city. And although we all know that any walking is a good thing, I want to make sure I get a good forest bath at least once a week.
To be clear. This is not a New Year’s Resolution. Instead, I have a plan to head out on a new Vancouver-area trail each week.
I will either post my discoveries here, on Twitter or Facebook. This past weekend Kevin and I were off to a greenlicious start. We hiked the Capilano Pacific Trail. It was a 15-km round trip of cedar, hemlock, fern, salal, rushing rivers and glittering sunshine.
Although my right knee was protesting near the end, I swear my brain glowed brighter by the time we emerged from our forest shower of super-greenness.
Take a mossy bath. Get lost in the woods. Go green. Try shinrin-yoku.
And then? Please come back and share your trail discoveries.
Happy Hiking!
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This is such a such a great concept….there are endless benefits of ‘forest-bathing’, something I make time for regularly and truly find it a place of healing and solace in the midst of grief and loss. It cleanses my thoughts and shifts focus to this better place. Canada has many forests to offer, but I agree that the Canadian West Coast offers some of the very the best! So glad you re-posted this!
Monica, I’m glad you make time for the healing benefits of the forest. I think I’m rather partial to the West Coast woods, but I think any trees will do. I know I’ve always felt great hiking in cactus forests too. I really believe being in nature profoundly helps us all. Glad you enjoyed the piece.
We met out walking ….. I always do a long walk every weekend and also during the week. I always find it exhilarating and enjoyable. You see things differently when you have been walking, you are much more positive.
How lucky you are to walk in these beautiful Canadian forests!
Good luck with your weekly trails.
Yes, Catherine. Isn’t the world a funny intertwined place where we can meet walking in Wales and continue connecting through cyberspace?
I agree with you that the world feels more welcoming when I walk. I walk a lot in the city these days, but like you, connect to the wilder side of nature almost every weekend.
I love that Vancouver has plenty of oceanside nature too. It brings nature closer that way.
I need a shinrin-yoku.
We all do darling. We all do. Get thee into the forest asap.