YOUR D2R GUIDE 4 FOREST BATHING

FOREST BATHING

What is forest bathing?

Forest Bathing is a Japanese  practice known as Shinrin yoku. Forest bathing is about  relaxation, being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you,  breathing deeply, all of which can help both adults and children de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way.

Let’s take a look at what to do as a first time practicing the art of forest bathing. 

 

Tips for practicing Forest Bathing for the first time!

  •  As the #1 rule for D2R leave your phone behind or turned it off! Give yourself time to relax and be mindful and embrace this sensory forest-based journey.

  • Time to slow down! Walk through the forest slowly to soak up all you can see and feel

  • Start practicing the deep breath technique, which is simply taking deep breaths, and exhaling much more slowly, this way the body knows you are slowing down, relaxing!

  • Stop, stand still, sit under the trees, lay down on the grass, close your eyes and take in all you can hear, smell?

  • Once you are quiet. and relaxed take in everything that is around you, Pay attention to those small details of nature. What is it telling you? Teaching you about the rhythms of nature?

  • Considering all the noises in our daily life, don’t be surprise if it takes you time to quiet your mind, keep trying and avoid thinking about what you will do later, to do lists, etc, and PAY ATTENTION . LIVE THE NOW MOMENT and be amazed at everything going on around you in the natural life of the mighty forest.

  • Make good use of your eyes, observe the shapes, the colors! You are immerse in a world of green colors! it has been proven green and blue relaxes you the most!

  • Start 1 hr as the recommended minimum for D2R, but eventually build up to 2 hrs frame which is the recommended time for a complete forest bathing experience and full body, mind and spiritit benefits!

Who is Forest Bathing for?

The art of Forest bathing  is a great way to D2R for adults and children alike and useful in teaching concentration and mindfulness; while also providing an excellent opportunity to learn from each other.  

Another factor that makes Forest Bathing a great option to D2R for the whole family including young and old at the same time is the fact that in Forest Bathing we are not focus so much about the long mileage but quality time in the forest so yes 2 hrs but not necessarily walking or hiking but more  mingling with nature and trees.

Bring Forest Bathing to your home

IF you are not able to leave your house for some reason , or you are recovering from some illness, this corner is for you.

These are some Forest Bathing videos brought to you by Forestry England. Be transported to the forest with their 360-degree forest bathing video playlist. Use the arrows to gently shift your gaze into the tree canopy, watch the branches sway, listen as the leaves rustle. Pause, breathe, imagine. Immerse yourself in woodland bliss. Explore these 360° videos