Britons are being told to boost their wellbeing this January by embracing the Japanese mindfulness practice of ‘forest bathing’.
Ecologists from Arbtech.co.uk say the UK’s woodlands provide a calm, sensory-rich environment – with winter being an ideal season for those willing to try the practice out. Forest bathing – known as ‘shinrin-yoku’ – was first developed in Japan in the 1980s following scientific studies which found a two-hour dose of nature to significantly boost health and wellbeing.
Among the health benefits, studies found mindful forest exploration could reduce blood pressure, lower levels of stress, and improve concentration and memory.
And recent British research has also found evidence of improvement in heart rate variability and mood as the practice gains wider popularity.
While forest bathing can be done year-round, winter woodlands in the UK offer unique benefits and peaceful settings for those looking to try it for the first time.
Forest bathing is about slowing down, taking a stroll or sitting down to observe surrounding nature, breathing in deeply and allowing the body to relax.
Winter brings quieter trails and less crowded forests, crisp, clean air, and seasonal scents like the smell of damp leaves.
And with deciduous trees having shed their leaves, features of the forest that can get overlooked during summer become more noticeable.
Despite research finding 90% of people saying they experienced wellbeing benefits from spending time in woodlands, one in four Brits say they haven’t visited a woodland at all in the last few years.
But as young people in particular embrace ways to prioritise their wellbeing – the term ‘forest bathing’ has almost 50,000 tags on TikTok – this practice reflects a growing trend, backed by research, of mindful ways to reduce stress by connecting with nature.
A spokesperson from Arbtech said: “Many people start the year with a focus on improving their wellbeing and forest bathing is a gentle, accessible practice to help achieve that. You don’t need to spend hours doing it either. Just a short stroll at your own pace, with phones switched off, taking in all of the sights, sounds and smells around you can leave you feeling calmer and more focused. Woodlands are a truly special part of our ecosystem, not only supporting our wellbeing but also providing habitat for wildlife, and crucial for tackling climate change. It’s important that they are protected and managed responsibly, not just for us, but for the planet too.”
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