A New Wellness Trend - Forest Bathing

A New Wellness Trend - Forest Bathing

When was the last time you got lost in nature without your cell phone or a mind to yourself? You've never done that, have you?

Throughout its existence and evolution, humans have spent 99% of their time in nature, in a natural environment. However, the results of current research are thought-provoking and, unfortunately, saddening. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend 93% of their lives indoors. Moreover, it is predicted that 66% of the world's population will live in cities by 2050.

The situation is no different in our country. The number of people migrating to big cities for reasons such as education and work, who eventually get lost in the fast pace of city life, work long hours, have no time for themselves, and when they do find time, they spend it at home or in shopping malls, consuming in some way, is increasing every day.

But being in nature is in our very nature! The Japanese even have a concept for it: "Shinrin-yoku". So what is it? Let's examine it together.

Shinrin-yoku:Forest Bathing

In Japanese, shinrin means forest, and yoku means bathing, showering, or sunbathing. So, forest bathing is essentially forest therapy. :) This concept emerged in 1982 with a plan proposed by the Japanese Ministry of Forestry. The main goal was to increase and improve the quality of time that urban populations spend in nature and forests. Today, many services are still offered in forests in Japan under the name "forest therapy."

This concept, which we discovered relatively late, is actually one of the simplest and most inexpensive wellness methods of recent years.

So how do you do forest bathing?

Deciding where to go for your first experience is important. However, as you strengthen your connection with nature over time, you can do it anywhere. On your balcony, in your garden if you have one, in a nearby park, whenever and wherever you want. The important thing is to stay away from distracting electronic devices like phones and computers as much as possible. You don't need anything; everything is available in nature. Perhaps you can start with a light walk; our goal is not to engage in strenuous physical activities, but to embrace nature. Close your eyes and breathe in the fresh air, feel the wind, watch the trees moving in the wind, listen to the sound and feel of the leaves on the ground, listen to the birdsong, smell the flowers if there are any. In short, feel everything that is happening in nature.

There are no specific rules or durations for forest bathing. You can determine the method and duration that works best for you to connect with nature. Perhaps it's sitting among the trees, perhaps reading a book, perhaps painting – whether you have talent or not – it's entirely up to you.

Through this spiritual experience, you will have activated all your senses, managed to turn inward, engaged in a mental meditation, and perhaps discovered talents you weren't even aware of until now.