Shinrin-yoku and Wellness
Is it time for a digital detox? Spending time in nature has many therapeutic benefits, from reducing feelings of depression and anxiety, to promoting the calm needed to get through exams or increase overall resilience in the face of stress. Whether at work or in our personal lives everyone experiences stress to some degree and can benefit from a much-needed escape. Shinrin-yoku, as it is known in Japanese, is known as Forest Bathing in the West. It is also known as nature therapy and can lead to a decrease in generalized stress as well as digital related stress so common in today’s society, enhancing physiological relaxation and can also be used as a form of prevention of diseases. If you want to find ways to promote wellness and relaxation turn to the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku which became popular in the eighties. Spending even just 15 minutes in nature is shown to reduce heart rate and lower stress levels. Nature therapy also improves the sleep-wake cycle, improving overall sleep quality. It also leads to an enhanced spiritual life and development in cancer patients as well as others.
The practice involves immersing yourself in nature and many research studies conducted in Japan suggest that it has many physiological and overall health benefits. It can have an effect on the immune system such as , i.e cancer prevention, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, depression and anxiety, mental relaxation beneficial for those who have ADHD, and increases feelings of selflessness and overall gratitude. (PubMed 2017). This can lead to healing and recharging after or during stressful times in one’s life and can also prevent or help manage burnout. According to the Japanese way of thinking, there is power in nature, in its trees, rivers and flowers. This practice can also lead to enhanced creativity in your projects and improve problem solving abilities. (For article on stress and its effects on problem-solving skills please see here, Overstressed; Your Problem Solving Skills Are At Risk).
The realization of a lack of green spaces in the cities, the constant bombardment of traffic and high-strung city centres and the effects it created on the body and mind led to an appreciation for a true moment of peace. A true luxury in the modern era’s overstimulated mind and nervous system. In Japan, even doctors promote and prescribe this practice as a form of stress relief and to detox from digital overload and to get away from the big city and the urban jungle. It is seen as a form of prevention and complements other forms of therapy and can be used holistically to improve mental health and psychological well-being, improving self-esteem and self-confidence. Forest bathing has improved the overall quality life of many Japanese enhancing both physical, mental and spiritual health. It improves happiness and well-being and improves cognition as well. Cyrus the Great even agreed with this line of thinking 2500 years ago and built green gardens in Persia as a form of preventative medicine.
Shinrin-yoku is far from training to run a 10 km marathon or for those of you who remember the bungy jumping era that was popular at one time but more like taking a leisurely stroll through the forest and taking in the peaceful atmosphere of nature and trees. There is no need to rock climb for this event or to go on an advanced hike. Taking in the sounds of the nearby birds and appreciating the leaves on the trees requires a state of presence and stillness. Herein lies the moment of peace. Something most people in urban societies forget while they’re busy in their respective careers or chasing some new goal until they get bored and find a new one. Presence and stillness get lost in the striving and fall by the wayside. This chaotic existence leads to high blood pressure, lower immunity, chronic pain and insomnia and disrupts even the best of relationships. According to Dr. Qing, president of the society of forest bathing, even a few hours in nature can help counter oppressive thoughts and lead to a more positive outlook on life.
Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing works well with mindfulness practices such as meditation and for those who aren’t comfortable with meditation or haven’t yet built it into their lifestyle habits, shinrin-yoku is a simple enough practice to start and include in your life. This can help to manage the distress that accompanies feelings of depression and anxiety and complement other forms of therapy. For the less adventurous it isn’t necessary to go to Japan to practise the art of shinrin-yoku, there are many beautiful public parks right here. For those who would prefer more solitude natural parks are about an hour or an hour and a half away, others can find parks in their very own city where they can spend time in natural surroundings contemplating nature not too far from their own backyard. Be aware of the moment where thoughts about the past and future do not exist, only the here and now. Silence the distractions. Emerge from your shinrin-yoku feeling refreshed and restored and ready for a Brand-New Day.
Forest bathing has improved the overall quality of life of many Japanese. It improves happiness and well-being and improves cognition as well.
