Forest bathing to heal yourself

By Eng. Thushara Dissanayake

Ancient humans lived in forests closely connected to nature. With the development of human civilization, people started moving away from forests and preferred to live in their artificially built environments. With the addition of more and more diverse structures that cater to different requirements, cities emerged. Some environmentalists sarcastically call cities concrete forests as they are so congested with mand-made structures.

In most of the cities, available green spaces are gradually disappearing as commercial lands are in high demand. Many of us are living in busy cities with sensory overload caused by congested roads, workplaces, and even extended hours of daily work. Although the creative human brain can do many wonders, people are disconnected from nature and highly attached to a digital world, created by man himself. Most of the time we use our brain for logic, information processing, and decision-making. According to findings, this stressful atmosphere leads to many negative health effects and, in extreme cases, generate negative feelings about life. As a result, many people turn to alcohol and drugs, while others seek medicine and therapies to get relief from stress and depression.

Nature and trees were hitherto accepted as sources of food, medicine, and other commercial utilities. Scientific studies have proven that the brain behaves differently when a person is in nature. However, for many, visiting a forest or a park has been a rare activity done on a vacation. Reconnecting with nature will reset your brain recharging your mental capacity. Humans are made to be refreshed by nature. When people are deprived of this outdoor balanced behaviour, they seek temporary happiness from indoor addiction-based behaviour. Addiction of glucose, various substances like cigarette, and digital screens are common in our society. Salient feature of these types of addictions are that a person wants it again and again at a regular interval as the happiness they get is temporary and end up with many health issues.

The self-healing technique of forest bathing was introduced by the Forest Agency of the Japanese government during the 1980s. Forest bathing is not simply walking through a forest. The practice of forest bathing broadly means the conscious and contemplative act of being immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. Instead of just walking through the forest one has to appreciate the surroundings and connect with them. It is taking a moment to appreciate your surroundings and enjoy the beauty of nature. Most importantly, feel the tranquility of nature while forgetting the harshness of the city.

In Japan, it is known as “shinrin-yoku” and after many research studies on the health benefits, they have included forest bathing in their national health program as a part of preventive health care. According to research, forest bathing lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure, and boost the immune system. It is proven to improve feelings of happiness and aid speedy recovery from illness. You will feel less angry and sad and free from unwanted thoughts. There are many other advantages that differ from person to person. This is a combination of meditation and mindfulness practices as both these states come naturally if your senses focus on the nature around you. Another intangible outcome is that forest bathing will improve your emotional intelligence. Today, forest bathing has been very popular for its numerous health benefits leading many countries around the world to adopt it.

If you are interested in forest bathing, the following are some tips to get you started:

Select the forest or park nearest you. A place where you have pleasant childhood memories will be the best. Then, leave all technical gadgets, like phones and cameras. Move through the forest or park slowly and in silence. Close your eyes and listen to the subtle sounds of trees swaying and creaking in the breeze. You can feel the same breeze moving around you. Take deep breaths. Listen to the sounds of birds and other wild animals. Count how many different sounds you can hear. Open your eyes and scrutinize the vivid colours, patterns, shadows, and peeping light through the tree leaves. According to studies, the green colour is associated with feelings, like refreshment, rest, and security. Dip your legs in a stream if available. Touch the trees and feel their physical attributes. Remove your shoes and feel the sponge damp earth beneath your feet. You may stay as long as you can though it is recommended to stay two hours to get a complete experience of forest bathing.

The Buddha preached that “Nothing ever exists entirely alone. Everything is in relation to everything else”. Therefore, getting reconnected to the forest will heal you from the agonies of this busy world.

(The writer is a water resources engineer)