Do you know the forest baths ? Without a doubt, a technique that allows us to take care of our health in a different way. It is based on contact with nature and the benefits of bathing in its waters, surrounded by plants, relaxing sounds and other elements that promote the well-being of the body and mind .
What are forest baths?
You may find the concept of “forest baths ” surprising, but we are sure that over time it will become very popular. It comes from Japan. For this reason, his real name is Shinrin Yoku . It is a practice that invites you to spend time in the forest to achieve happiness, stronger health and well-being. Ultimately, its purpose is to spiritually heal all those who dare to carry out this activity.
Although its name focuses on the forest, this is not the only place where it can develop, but it serves any open and natural space . The overall experience is what really counts. In corners of these characteristics you can walk, listen to the song of the birds, feel calm, know ourselves, feel everything that surrounds us through the five senses and, of course, enjoy it all. This, together, helps improve health, especially by relieving tension .
Tips for practicing Shinrin Yoku
It is necessary to comply with a series of guidelines in order to obtain all the advantages that practicing Shinrin Yoku offers . We describe each of them in this section.
Connect with nature
In order to connect with nature , it is necessary to let ourselves be carried away, focusing the mind on all the elements that we encounter. In this way, it will be much easier for each of our senses to become more receptive. Likewise, we will be able to analyze ourselves, studying feelings and sensations that will make us know ourselves better.
Forget about time
Taking into account all of the above, it becomes obvious that physical exercise is not the main goal. We are not talking about hiking, it is not about taking a route, but about clearing the mind of any routine problems and letting ourselves be carried away by all the gifts that nature constantly offers us. Gifts that sometimes we do not want to accept overwhelmed by the noise of the day to day. Thus, it is recommended that the walks have a distance of a kilometer and a half and do them in three hours, approximately.
Be guided by an expert
Like any meditation exercise , forest baths also need to be guided by an expert. Thus we will take advantage of all the highlights of this activity.
Communication
Walking is essential, but so is communicating with other species , be they plants or animals. It is essential that we all learn from each other in order to feel that peace so necessary to face any type of circumstance.
Benefits of forest baths
One of the benefits of forest baths is the improvement of mood. After forty minutes it has been shown that feelings become more positive after this practice. On the other hand, stress is reduced , avoiding pathologies such as high blood pressure, diabetes, headaches, arthritis or asthma, among others. Likewise, they will also be less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety , heart disease and memory deficits.
Likewise, the immune system is strengthened and there is a high probability that creativity will be enhanced. To achieve the latter, contact with nature must be done constantly. Other benefits include increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, increased energy and intestinal activity, and reduced heart rate.