The Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku, or How to walk in the forest

If you have ever walked in the forest, you probably felt its beneficial effect on yourself. The smell of foliage or pine needles, clean air, birdsong and the noise of trees ... All this helps to relax well and restore a vital resource. For people who work a lot and have little rest, this is especially important!

It is not surprising that the Japanese, known all over the world for their hard work, turned walking through the forest into a whole art — shinrin-yoku.

The very name shinrin-yoku (shinrin-yoku) literally translates as "forest baths" (shinrin — forest, yoku — bath). This practice is a leisurely immersion into the atmosphere of the forest in order to relax, reboot and replenish energy.

In Japan, the reception of "forest baths" has been widely practiced since 1982. It was then that the benefits of walking in the forest were recognized at the official level. Even doctors can prescribe shinrin-yoka to their patients as a means for the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

The fact that forest walks are so useful, Japanese scientists learned a long time ago. In the course of various studies, they found out and proved that "forest therapy":

Together, all these factors make shinrin-yoku an excellent practice for relaxation and recuperation. It has been proven that "forest bathing" helps in the fight against depression, physical exhaustion, stress and increased anxiety.

Of course, shinrin-yoku cannot be considered a panacea for all diseases. However, there is no doubt that "forest baths" have a beneficial effect on the physical and emotional state of a person. The main thing is to "take" them correctly and regularly, because they have a cumulative effect.

In order for the procedure to bring maximum effect, you need to follow a few simple rules. Perhaps one of the most important things is to enjoy walking. When you go to the forest, do not set a goal to "become more energetic" or "get healthier". First of all, you go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air. Therefore, let your body rest and feel at one with nature.

The second important rule is choosing the optimal place for shinrin—yoku. Nothing should interfere with your relaxation — neither noisy vacationers, nor wild animals. Make sure that the forest where you are going is completely safe. And if, in principle, you don't like being among the dense thickets, go take "baths" in the park. The number of trees in this matter is not as important as the process itself and the degree of immersion in it.

Allocate 1-2 hours of free time in your schedule, turn off all gadgets — so that no one bothers you — and go for a walk. Try not to rush anywhere, enjoy the surrounding nature, breathe in fresh air, concentrate all your attention on your feelings while walking.

Use all 5 senses: listen to the sounds around you (rustling leaves, birdsong, wind noise, etc.), consider everything that surrounds you, try to catch smells and even tastes, taste nature by touch. Do not hesitate to approach the tree and hug it — this simple action perfectly activates the sense of touch.

The main thing is that a walk in the forest should bring you pleasure! Therefore, if you are tired, sit down on the grass and rest, if you are tired of walking, go home.

It's up to you to decide how long and how long such walks should be. Someone becomes easier after the first "bathing", someone walks every day and still feels stressed. It is possible that you will like this practice at all, but you just have to try it!