Do you need to try forest bathing?

WHAT EXACTLY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?

Before we go on, let’s get one thing straight: this hot new wellness trend isn’t about breaking out the bubble bath in the middle of a bushwalk! Forest bathing, or “taking in the forest atmosphere”, is the English translation of shinrin-yoku, the Japanese phrase for spending time in nature. And right now it’s got health experts buzzing.

The concept was first coined in Japan in the 1980s, but it’s started to gain serious traction around the globe as a growing tide of wellness seekers look to harness the benefits vitamin N can have on our bodies and minds. The reason? To counteract the crazy-busy pace of life, and the endless hours we spend glued to screens!

WHY SHOULD WE ALL BE PUMPED ABOUT IT?

Turns out, the serene feeling you get after strolling through the trees is backed up by science. One study found people felt less anxiety, anger and fatigue after spending time in the great outdoors. “We know the benefits of being in nature on an intuitive level,” explains clinical psychologist Monica Schweickle. “We should use that as part of our health routine as much as going to the doctor.”

Forest bathing has also been linked to lower blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol (hello, happy heart!). Some research even suggested inhaling forest air, particularly phytoncides (plant chemicals with antimicrobial qualities), may boost immunity by upping the number of disease-fighting cells in your body. Easier than popping a cold and flu tablet!

IS THERE A WAY TO HARNESS ITS POWER DAILY?

Yes! And the good news is you don’t need to live near a forest to reap the wellbeing benefits. Simply spending time in any natural environment can be enough to experience therapeutic effects. The key, says Schweickle, is to practice mindfulness. “It’s not a matter of being on your iPhone while you’re power walking through the forest,” she adds. “It’s really pausing, using all your senses, absorbing colours, sounds, what you can taste, smell, touch and trying to be 100% focused on that.”

National park nearby? Take a morning hike. Beach down the road? Meditate on the sand. Tiny balcony? Grow herbs and install a water feature. It couldn’t be easier!