My Love Affair with Forest Bathing

Ladies,

Improving your mental and physical well-being may be more attainable than you think. Ahhh, to get out of fight or flight and just BE…

Today, I went FOREST BATHING! This is something I do frequently and, I swear, it saves me! 🌳

The effects on my mental and physical well-being are truly beyond what I can write here, and it is not just my experience: there have been numerous studies on the positive effects of forest bathing. Believe me when I say that I truly could not thrive without the woods as part of my life.

Here is what Forest Bathing is. It started taking off in Japan in the 50’s and is called Shirin Yoku, which translates to Forest Bath.

It is simply the concept of just BEING conscious in nature. NOT vigorously hiking or walking, not running, just BEING. 🙏

This kind of forest therapy for the mind, body, and spirit has been studied quite extensively. The act of submerging yourself in the forest and just letting yourself do whatever feels right - like a sitting or walking meditation, slowly and mindfully walking, staring at a dragonfly or cricket, or taking off your shoes and doing some simple yoga postures in the water. 🧘

These simple acts are shown to change us in very profound ways!

Trees and plants not only emit oxygen, but they also absorb harmful chemicals and release beneficial ones, called phytoncides. Phytoncides increase natural killer cells, which increase immunity and fight cancer.

Forest bathing increases mindfulness, deep focus, coping mechanisms, mood, energy, and sleep quality. 😴 It also decreases depression, anxiety, the feeling of fight or flight that we are all living under, and blood pressure - to name just a few!

I share this with you because it is my deepest desire to have you reap the same profound benefits that I do, as I accept the generous offerings from forest bathing.

To your sublime health!

Much Love,
Jen