Forest Bathing
What to do on a Sunday? Forest bathing
This Japanese practice is a relaxation process; known in Japan as shinrin yoku. A simple method of being calm and peaceful among the trees, observing the nature around you while breathing deeply, can help adults and children “de-stress” and improve mental health and well-being naturally.
Below are some important tips and activities to start your meditation journey and don't forget to let us know how you feel!
* Turn off your devices to relax, be mindful and enjoy a forest-based sensory experience.
* Slow down. Walk through the forest slowly so you can see and feel more.
* Take deep breaths in through your nose and exhale through your nose as well. Try taking your breaths in a square. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds and hold for 4 seconds. Repeat this cycle 6 times. It will send a clear message to your body that it can relax.
* Stop, stand or sit, smell your surroundings, what can you smell?
* Observe your surroundings using all your senses. How does the forest environment make you feel? Be observant, observe the small details of nature.
* Sit silently using conscious observation; try to avoid thinking about your to-do list or issues related to daily life. You will be surprised at the number of forest dwellers you see using this process.
* Keep your eyes open. The colors of nature are calming, and studies have shown that people relax better when seeing greens and blues.
* Stay as long as you can, start with a comfortable time limit and build up to the recommended two hours for a full forest bathing experience.
