Forest bathing Black Forest

Where does the forest bathing trend come from?

Most people, when they hear the term forest bathing, think of water and perhaps swimming in a forest lake. In fact, however, forest bathing has nothing to do with actual swimming. Of all the wellness and health modalities, forest bathing is one of the newest methods to relax.

Forest bathing originated in Japan in 1982, where it is known as shinrin-yoku, the art of forest bathing or nature bathing. Instead of immersing yourself in a lake, people are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in nature using all of their senses. You smell the scents, touch the surroundings and simply immerse yourself in nature. Forest bathing is like a traditional forest walk, only with a dash of meditation for a more present experience.

Why is forest bathing so popular?

Forest bathing only became popular after research linked the practice to measurable health benefits. Forest bathing has been found to reduce levels of cortisol (which is linked to stress), heart rate, and blood pressure. It has even been linked to lower rates of depression.

Forest bathing was intended to encourage people to return to nature and spend time in the forest. Literally translated, Shinrin Yoku means “bathing in the forest” and was intended to motivate people to experience, feel, taste and smell nature and the forests. Today, Shinrin Yoku is not only promoted by the government in Japan, but is also recognized in medicine as an effective healing principle.

Look for moments of wonder

No matter how much time you spend outdoors, look for moments that give you a sense of wonder—or awe. One study found that “forest bathing in awe” can lead to increased well-being and social connectedness in older adults. You can make awe walks part of your forest bathing practice by looking at your surroundings with new eyes or choosing a new hiking trail.

You can also combine your forest bathing with journaling. After each forest bathing session, write down in your journal what you experienced or thought while immersed in nature. This way, you can track how you feel over time—and develop a routine that promotes your health.

Everyday life is becoming more and more hectic, day after day the demands of everyday life await each individual and must be mastered. By moving mindfully and consciously in the forest, body functions that are often constantly running at full speed slow down. Walking meditations enrich the experience in the forest and those who want can hug one of the trees and hold on to it in stormy times.

How exactly does forest bathing work?

As mentioned above, forest bathing is an intensive stay in the forest. Without a time limit or goal, the atmosphere of nature should not only be seen but experienced. This can be done by walking slowly through the forest, smelling and feeling the bark of the trees and the damp moss. Experiencing the smell, taste and sounds of the forest are the cornerstones of forest bathing. In addition, one should stay in places surrounded by greenery where one can meditate or simply observe the surroundings. All of this should be done without rushing or stress so that one can fully immerse oneself in the forest.

What are the benefits of forest bathing?

Since Shinrin Yoku first appeared in the 1980s, studies and research have been carried out regularly on this topic to scientifically prove the positive effects of forest bathing. The results speak for themselves: spending time in the forest has a mood-enhancing and stress-reducing effect. One of the reasons for this is phytoncides, which plants and trees emit to ward off bacteria and diseases. Inhaling the phytoncides has a stress-reducing and blood pressure-lowering effect on people. It has also been proven that the heart rate stabilizes during forest bathing and thus also contributes to calming, stress-reducing and general happiness.

What should be considered when forest bathing?

Strictly speaking, there are no rules for forest bathing, except that you should get as involved with nature as possible. The motto is: experience instead of thinking.

Our modern society is almost obsessed with mobile devices. Many people always want to be up to date with the next big trend, tweets, likes, emails and much more. As a result, a large part of humanity is almost constantly looking at a screen. When forest bathing, the cell phone should not only be turned off, but it is best not to bring it with you in the first place. With the cell phone turned off, the sensory perception can be turned on. Since forest bathing is about relaxation, you should not set a time limit for the trip into the forest. Rather, it is about being present and fully engaging with the diverse stimuli and impressions of the wild greenery.

It goes without saying that cigarettes and alcohol are not permitted during forest bathing in Bad Wildbad in the Black Forest.

Forest bathing in Bad Wildbad in the Black Forest

Forest bathing is actually possible in any forest. But in Germany and Europe in particular, the choice is large, as Germany is one of the most forested countries in Europe. Almost a third of the total area is covered with trees, including well-known forests such as the Black Forest, the Spreewald, Saxon Switzerland and the Fichtel Mountains.

In addition to these famous places, there are of course smaller and lesser-known forests that may be in your immediate vicinity. For cautious beginners, we recommend taking part in a forest bathing workshop and a guided tour through the forest, for example with Reno von Buckenberg (certified nature guide, forest therapist and nature coach). Experienced nature lovers can also venture into the silence on their own. Forest bathing in Bad Wildbad in the Black Forest is one of the most popular places and has been recognized as a health resort for almost 200 years.

Since forest bathing has nothing to do with water, it is possible to practice the trend that more and more people are following all year round. Each season has its own special stimuli and impressions that help the brain to make new connections. The goal of forest bathing is to live in the present moment to awaken the senses and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a natural environment.