Forest Bathing

With the rise of digital burnout, disconnecting from our screens and reconnecting with nature is more important now than ever before; although outdoor exercise is a great way to get your heart-rate up while spending some time outside, it’s also important to unwind and relax in the outdoors, which is why we love forest bathing!

What’s forest bathing?

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a mindfulness technique that originated in Japan in the 1980’s with the goal of reducing stress and screen-time while reconnecting with the living, breathing world around us.

So, it’s just a nature walk?

Whereas the purpose of nature walks, hikes, or jogs are typically to reach a viewpoint or a specific distance-oriented goal, the purpose of forest bathing is to slow down, immerse ourselves in nature, and to become engulfed in the present moment.

Forest bathing also differs from a typical nature walk because it requires disconnecting from potential distractions—such as phones, music, conversations, etc—and giving our undivided attention to our natural surroundings.

What if I don’t live near a forest?

Despite its name, forest bathing doesn’t actually require a forest—it can be practiced anywhere in the great outdoors. All you need to do is head into nature and consciously connect with your surroundings by actively engaging your senses and focusing on the present.

I’m in! How do I get started?

1. Make sure you have ample time set aside for this activity.

Since the purpose of forest bathing is to relax and temporarily disconnect from our busy lives, it’s advised to not rush the process. Give yourself enough time to let your body and mind wander freely.

2. Dress and pack accordingly

Dress for the environment you will be in and bring any necessities that would normally accompany you on a typical nature walk (e.g. sunscreen, bug-spray, water, snacks, etc.) For your own personal safety, it’s advised to let friends and/or family know where you’ll be and to bring your phone with you in case of emergencies—just be sure to leave it on do-not-disturb or airplane mode

3. Find a spot in nature to forest bathe

This could be a spot in the woods, a park, a beach, a garden, or anywhere outdoors—as long as you feel comfortable and are able to relax in this spot.

4. Walk slowly through the natural environment and pause periodically to take in your surroundings

Engage your senses: pay attention to the birdsong, the rustle of the wind, the scent of the trees, the shapes of the clouds—anything that draws your attention. Allow yourself to become completely immersed in your environment.

Looking to take it a step further? Combining meditation or journaling with forest bathing is a great way to reap the benefits of multiple mindfulness activities! Journaling about your forest bathing experiences is a great way to document the magic you experienced while in the great outdoors, and meditating is a great way to further activate your senses while forest bathing.

Wait—how long should I forest bathe for?

Although research has shown that spending 120 minutes outside each week is ideal, there isn’t a time requirement for forest bathing. Since the purpose of forest bathing is to reconnect with Mother Nature—and, in turn, ourselves— it’s recommended to forest bathe whenever your body needs it. If that means 20 minutes every day, that’s great! If that means 20 minutes every week, that’s also great! The only goal here is to get outside and immerse ourselves in the natural world.

Okay, I think I’m ready to try forest bathing!

Remember to have fun, stay safe, and—as always—adventure responsibly ✌️