Into The Woods

Getting outside and embracing nature is the perfect antidote to a hectic lifestyle. Here’s how to use the calming forest bathing trend to your advantage.

- Becky Fletcher

From the sound of a breeze whispering through the trees to dappled sunshine peaking through the canopy, a forest can be an immensely serene place to be. But did you know that spending time peacefully in the woods is a scientifically proven concept that comes with an official name – ‘forest bathing’? The Japanese coined the phrase shinrin-yoku in 1982 (roughly translated as ‘taking in the forest atmosphere’ or ‘forest bathing’) and have turned it into a form of therapy thought to lower blood pressure, improve mood and focus and reduce stress. In fact, shinrin-yoku is now part of Japan’s national health policy, with around £3 million being spent on research and over 55 official forest trails being created, with plans for many more. And it’s not only the Japanese who are heading for leafy areas. In Malaysia, the concept is known as mandi embun or ‘bathing in the forest dew’ and it’s catching on in South Korea, Taiwan and Finland.

Here in the UK, you can now find holidays dedicated to finding your zen amongst forest surroundings, plus get outdoor therapy from specialist coaches and loads more…

FEEL BALANCED