Friends,

I had heard about the Forest Bathing from my blogger friend Kaushal Sir, and I was very much curious about this article.

Incidentally, a few months back, I had also an experience of forest bathing during my excursion, which I would like to share with you all.

About Forest Bathing:

We have read somewhere that,  in 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries coined  the term “shinrin-yoku”, which means  “forest bathing. This is just “absorbing the forest atmosphere.” This practice encourages people to simply spend some time in nature — no actual bathing required.

Studies have found that “forest bathing” has positive physiological effects.

This was a  successful experiment that helped Japan’s stressed-out office workers with an aim to reduce blood pressure, and stress hormones (cortisol), and improve concentration, focus, and memory. It also boosts the immune system and this has good psychological effects of alleviating depression and improving mental health.

The purpose was dual: first, to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout, and second to inspire their residents to reconnect with nature and protect the country’s forests.

This is  a Mindfulness

This is a proven record that  Brisk walks in the forest have a positive mindful effect. A Forest Bathing is just a walk in the forest when done under the guidance of a certified Forest bathing guide has refreshing feelings and soothing & calming mind effects.

We all know how good being in nature can make us feel. it is known for centuries. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, and pollution-free clean air — all these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax, and to think more clearly.  Enjoying forest bathing can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, and refresh and rejuvenate us.

A Great Experience

Six months ago, during my trip to Siliguri and Sikkim, I had the opportunity to visit the forest area.

In fact,  we were seeking to travel to the place where we can be benefited from a healing effect on our minds and bodies.

In such a situation, we decided to travel to Sikkim for a week–long program. The very purpose was to seek regenerative travel to bridge the gap between self-care and exploration.

I like most “adventure in the woods” and that dream came true as I  was feeling lost in the forest while wandering in the woods. Yes, I was wandering in a dense forest there.

That was Mahananda wildlife sanctuary. That was one fine morning of hills covered with dense forest.

I was walking in the woods, listening to the morning birds chirping along with the fresh mountain air. It was really a comforting feeling.

Indeed, it was a soothing moment and  I was surrounded by thick trees of mighty oak and deodar. The gentle breeze was blowing and the rustling of the leaves of its branches tickled my nerves. I was in a strange forest and feeling cool and calm.

adventure in the woods

We were excited to see several watch towers that have been set up in that sanctuary.  That is great for watching elephant migration and watching deer, Indian bison, and other animals.

There was a beautiful forest house as well in this dense forest. Sitting on the cut branch, I was playing with my thoughts and feelings and instinctively my eyes had been closed. That was a really refreshing moment.

A stress-free morning

 That moment was memorable, the first rays of the morning sun were warming my soul, and the cool damp earth caresses my weary toes. My senses were revived and my soul was ready to soar. That was a great experience. I was free from my daily hectic routine, and it was a stress-free and soothing morning.

What I feel is that it is easy to forest-bathe even without a guide. And there are many different activities we can do in the forest that can help us to relax and to rejuvenate ourselves.

connect with nature.

We were experiencing forest walking, doing yoga, and meditation there along with plant observation.

Yes, we can have forest-bathe anywhere – wherever there are trees and greenery. It may be in hot weather or in cold; in the rain, and sunshine, or even in a nearby park or in our garden where greenery resides.

Please click below the link for the previous Blog…

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