Forest Bathing

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Kyoto - Japan

On a recent trip to Japan, I came across the concept ‘shinrin-yoku’ or ‘forest bath’.  It instantly gave me a hilarious vision of myself somehow awkwardly attempting to bathe in the middle of a remote forest!  Thank goodness it’s nothing as wacky or as complicated as that! 

Studies carried out by the Japanese government in the 1980s, found that spending time within nature, away from the demands of our daily lives, can significantly improve our wellbeing.  Leading to a decrease in blood pressure and even stress hormones.  They also found that trees release special chemicals; ‘phytoncides’, which strengthen and elevate our immune systems, making us more resilient to certain diseases.

This was definitely a concept I wanted to bring back home with me to Northampton.

We are so fortunate that our town boasts stunning, accessible for all, outdoor spaces and parks, for instance, Abington Park and Beckets, to name just a couple.  So, you don’t need to travel very far at all to escape the hustle and bustle of your urban life.

To make the most of your forest bath turn your electronic devices off and use all of your senses – sight, sound and smell to increase your awareness of the going ons around you. This will help you to really connect. 

I urge you to make shinrin-yoku or forest bathing a part of your day! 

Published in The Happy Hood Zine