Have you bathed in your garden lately? That seems like an odd question, but it’s actually an important one to ask. About thirty years ago, researchers in Japan coined a term for the practice of seeking out natural environments for the purposes of relaxation and stress-relief. They called it shinrin-yoku – meaning “forest bathing” – and its methods have become an integral part of preventative health care there. The practice is quickly gaining a following in the United States too. Here we’ll talk about what forest bathing is, the health benefits it provides, and how you can experience those same benefits just by spending a little quiet time among the trees and plants in your own landscape.
What is Forest Bathing? (And What is it Not?)
In its traditional form, forest bathing is walking slowly through a forest environment and immersing yourself in all aspects of its relaxing atmosphere. What makes forest bathing different from just hiking or exercising around trees is your focus during the activity. On a hike, we may be intent on getting to a certain scenic spot to snap a photo. And we might approach it as a workout – with a timeframe set or a heartrate goal we want to achieve. In contrast, with forest bathing, the idea is to slow down and take in all the sights, sounds, and scents around you – without any other goal but to be present in the environment. It might include taking off your shoes and feeling the cool grass or crumbly dirt beneath your feet. It might mean breathing deeply while you take in all the different shades of green around you – or the various noises that birds make, or the breeze as it rustles the foliage. You might run your fingers over the rough bark of a tree too. There’s no set agenda and no timetable. Forest bathers simply let their senses – what they see, hear, smell, and touch – lead them naturally to the next experience.
Health Benefits
Since the term was first introduced, scientific studies have shown that forest bathing measurably improves many indicators of human health and well-being. For example, in one study by Tokyo medical doctor Dr. Qing Li, researchers looked at the activity of natural killer cells – a type of white blood cell known to target bacterial infections, viruses, and even cancer cells. Study participants spent three days and two nights in a forested area, focusing on forest bathing practices. In blood tests after the trip, the participants showed a 50% increase in NK cell activity compared to tests on a normal working day. Other studies have shown that forest bathing promotes decreases in blood pressure and stress hormones when compared to similar walks in the city. It can also improve mood and sleep quality as well as decrease feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. How does it work? In addition to the relaxing effects of focusing on natural sensory inputs, preliminary studies suggest that some of the health benefits may come from breathing in certain organic compounds – called phytoncides – that trees release into the air around them.
Bathing in Your Own Backyard
But, do you need to spend days wandering slowly through a forest to enjoy these benefits? Fortunately for urban dwellers, the answer is no. You can find a little bathing spot among the plants and trees in your own landscape. The important thing is to reduce distractions and learn to focus on just the beauty that exists in your garden. One way to create a special space is to plant a few tall perennials or shrubs and create a quiet corner. Then, add other special plants and flowers – those that evoke pleasant memories or produce favorite scents – and sit quietly in your new plant “room” whenever you need a break. Even the trees and plants – and moving water sources like bubblers and fountains – that already exist around your home can invoke that forest bathing feeling if you kick off your shoes, forget your to-do list, and focus on the tiny sensory details each plant, bird, and splash of water supplies.
Let’s Create a Quiet Space
At the store, we immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of the garden every day – it’s one of the many reasons we love what we do. So, if you’re looking for suggestions or have questions about any of the amazing plants, fountains, or other details you can add to create your own forest-bathing experience, just ask. We’re always here to help you create the perfect outdoor space.
