Forest bathing and mental health are interrelated quite closely. Science has done quite a lot to highlight the importance of time in nature. Things like soaking up the sun, smells, and sights of nature do more than just help us relax. This post breaks down some of the research on forest bathing and mental health.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing takes a lot of different forms now that it has grown in popularity. It originates from the practice of ‘Shinrin Yoku’ from Japan. This term literally translates to “forest bathing’ and speaks towards a practice of immersing oneself in nature for wellness. The practice of forest bathing grew after its impact was discovered. Many different organizations have adopted or adapted this practice since then.
The origins of forest bathing came from a decline in the population’s mental health and physical wellness. This came during a time of urbanization and the growth of cities, away from natural lands and forests Japan has to offer. Medical professionals got together and figured out that the people were “green poor” and needed to spend more time outside. They found that decreased mental health symptoms and chronic pain issues were related to sending more time outside.
Forest Bathing and Mental Wellness
This does not Forest Bathing is a magical cure for your mental health problems. But this does mean that it can help a lot with what we experience on a regular basis. Let me explain
Forest Bathing and Stress
The first thing to know about stress is that there are two systems: Sympathetic & Parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system increases measurable levels of stress, while the parasympathetic system returns your body back to a calm state. The sympathetic system reacts to anything and everything stressful: work, relationships, projects, you name it. Evidence shows that forest bathing turns on your parasympathetic nervous system, and decreases measurable cortisol levels (a stress hormone).
Forest Bathing and Anxiety
Generally speaking, anxiety and stress are not different from each other. Anxiety is a biological based disorder due to an imbalance of brain chemicals, which results in increased arousal in the sympathetic nervous system. So it makes a lot of sense that Forest Bathing does help improve anxiety for the same reasons it reduces stress.
Forest Bathing vs Forest Therapy
The two terms might seem interchangeable, but they do have two different definitions. Forest Therapy is a practice based on the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), which derives the practice from forest bathing. Forest Therapy is an intentional practice where a certified guide takes participants through a guided walk, with invitations to help deepen their connection with nature. Guides exists for same reason you might go to a yoga class or hire a fitness coach: You want to get deeper and get more benefit from an expert. Forest therapy takes all the benefits of forest bathing, and amplifies them.
You can read all about forest therapy in my Ultimate Guide to Forest Bathing in Denver. Even if you are not local, there is still a free gift at the end to help improve your forest bathing practice. Don’t miss out!