Next time you go into the woods, walk aimlessly or sit still, just for a minute.
Feel the texture of a mossy bark.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Listen to the birdsong and feel with all your senses.
What do you feel?
Today, I want to introduce you to Forest Bathing.
It's a term that originated in the 1980s Japan, called Shinrin Yoku — a practice of therapeutic relaxation, and mindful breathing where one spends time in the forest or any natural environment being calm and quiet amongst trees, observing and focusing on sensory engagement while mindfully connecting with nature.
The purpose was to offer an eco antidote to tech boom burnout and to inspire people to reconnect with nature and protect the forests.
While the studies and also my video will focus on the forest as a primary place of relaxation, in reality, you can do this anywhere, in any natural environment: a city park, a field, a beach, but of course, a forest or an area with a high concentration of trees is most ideal.
The reason is that trees absorb tons of carbon dioxide, making our air cleaner and cooler.
