This New Habit Will Change Your Life
The Benefits of Forest Bathing
By Abby Cattapan, Lifestyle Editorial Assistant
We've all experienced it at some point. Restless frustration bubbles inside you after staring at your computer screen for hours. Attempting to finish an essay or complete an assigned reading feels impossible. Your overworked brain is easily distracted. Believe it or not, there is a simple fix to this routine problem. All you need to do is step outside your home.
Yes, it's that easy. Known as "forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku," this Japanese practice consists of spending time outside in green spaces. Shinrin translates to forest, and yoku to bath. So shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest’s atmosphere. It does not involve any exercise, such as hiking or running. Instead, it focuses on existing within and interacting with the environment (Li, 2018).
Both the emotional and physical benefits of spending time in nature are tremendous. Being in green spaces eases stress and can help us think more clearly. Being in nature also significantly improves our moods, boosting our energy to make us feel more rejuvenated.
Forest bathing opens our senses, refreshing our minds and increasing focus levels (Li, 2018). Connecting with nature through sounds, smells, and sights has proven to have great health benefits.
Researchers conducted a study in which breast cancer patients were instructed to spend 1-2 hours daily in a natural environment. Results showed that spending time outside drastically improved their energy and lessened fatigue. For some, it even aided in pain relief (Mori, 2021).
If forest bathing can help cancer patients, it can surely help you find the energy to finish your practice quiz. Luckily, although we are in a city, Madison has plenty of spaces to spend time outside and immerse yourself in nature.
Incorporate time outside into your daily routine. You may find that after a walk along Lakeshore Path, you’re ready to tackle your math homework or crank out that essay.
The benefits of forest bathing are not limited to school. Spending an hour at James Madison Park may lessen your anxiety about the job interview you have tomorrow or help you see that fight you had with your friend a bit more clearly.
Regardless, spending time in nature benefits all of us. Incorporating forest bathing into our routines helps us be the happiest, healthiest versions of ourselves.
Sources:
Li, Qing. “The Benefits of ‘Forest Bathing’.” Time, Time, 1 May 2018,
Mori, Y., Kugel, J., Krpalek, D., Javaherian-Dysinger, H., & Gharibvand, L. (2021). Occupational Therapy and Therapeutic Horticulture for Women with Cancer and Chronic Pain: A Pilot Study. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 9(2), 1-14.