The calming benefits of spending time in nature are well documented. A blog by Vancouver’s David Suzuki Foundation sums them up, including decreased anxiety and a strengthened immune system. Japanese studies have shown that people who spend time in the forest inhale beneficial bacteria, plant-based essential oils, and negatively charged ions. The Association of Nature & Forest Therapy lists myriad benefits including reduced blood pressure, increased energy, and increased ability to focus.
As the association acknowledges on its website, forest therapy isn’t a new concept, and “approaches such as Shinrin-yoku have roots in many cultures throughout history.” Like Bolton, many people know the benefits from their own experience. “I look at the forest and somehow it just calms me. It brings out the joy in me,” she reflects. ”I don’t know how it works, it just does.” Laughing, she adds, “I don’t know how a computer works, but it does, so I use it.” If you can get to a place with trees, your backyard or a nearby park, one of the most recharging things you can do is called "Forest Bathing". You can click here for more information on this wonderful practice. Comments are closed.
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