We know stress contributes to adverse health issues. Too much of it impacts our long-term well-being with disorders such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Studies throughout the world show that visiting a forest counteracts stress with quantifiable mental and physical health benefits. A walk in the woods looking at trees, flowering plants, and with luck, wildlife, can leave you feeling restored and revitalized – like a tonic or prescription without the side effects!
Popular in Japan, forest bathing, known as “Shinrin-yoku” is shown to improve mental and physical health. The Japanese government encourages their population to spend time in nature for healing mind, body, and spirit. Shinrin-yoku, which translates to “taking in the forest atmosphere,” allows nature into the human body through the five senses. It unites one’s mindful focus with forest surroundings. Even brief visits can be beneficial as one concentrates in the moment (no devices or other distractions) to absorb environmental smell, feel, sight, sound, and even taste.
Forest bathing is comprised of strolling in a forest environment while breathing deeply the fragrance emitted by surrounding trees. Aside from reducing stress, documentation shows that forest bathing can lower blood sugar, enhance mood, increase concentration, and even build cancer resistance. Numerous studies demonstrate that walking, hiking or just sitting in forests to observe trees reduces blood pressure and diminishes stress-related hormones known as cortisol and adrenaline. These benefits can also be derived from visits to smaller pockets of greenspace like urban gardens and parks.
The secret can be discovered within the trees. While immersed in a forest, we breathe what trees produce – fresh air containing higher oxygen concentrations. We also take in phytoncides –components that plants emit into the air. Many forest bathers boast that phytoncide exposure is one main benefit of the endeavor… and for good reason. Much like aromatherapy, these chemical components consist of natural oils that plants use to ward off unwanted pests like harmful insects, bacteria, and microscopic fungi. Oddly enough, these phytoncides also serve as a means for plants to quietly communicate amongst themselves – particularly about danger. Lastly, the compounds promote plant immunity and balance relationships between organisms within ecosystems.
When humans breathe in phytoncides, their immune systems increase and activate natural killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell that kills virus and tumor-infected cells. With increased exposure to trees, a person’s natural immunities improve along with a myriad of other health benefits stated above. Our forests and greenspaces are critical in cleaning not only our air and water, but our bodies and minds.