Forest bathing - shinrin yoku

Not quite what it means but looks restorative! (Image - greenplanet-blueplanet.com)

I think that many of us have known intuitively that absorbing or drinking in the atmosphere of a forest doesn’t just feel good, it can even be healing. 

‘Forest bathing’, or shinrin-yoku, was developed in Japan in the 1980s and has become a recognised method of health care in some countries.

Mt Toorongo Noojee

The simple idea is to visit a natural area of un-modified landscape – heathland, woodland, rainforest, etc – and walk through slowly in a relaxed manner, (switch off your phone, leave the dog home…), and take in the atmosphere.

'Golden Whistler Reserve' Drouin

Proven benefits of this simple procedure include a boost to the immune system, lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, better sleep, improved ability to focus and even faster recovery from illness and surgery.

Four Brothers, Bunyip State Park

In our increasingly busy and stressful civilised(?) lifestyles, this uncomplicated activity might just be the answer to improving the nation’s health. Most western populations are highly urbanised and can spend up to 80 or 90% of their time indoors.

Mt Worth State Park Allambee

The conclusion from one study into the benefits of shinrin-yoku stated, “The psychological benefits of walking through forests are very significant … Urban planners should pay more attention to maintaining and increasing accessible greenery in urban areas. The beneficial effects of nature suggest a simple, accessible and cost-effective method to improve the quality of life and health of urban residents.”

 

Uralla Reserve Trafalgar

Thornells, Nangara, Glen Nayook, Uralla, Mt Worth et al, we should be the healthiest community in Victoria!