Forest bathing might not be what you think. In fact, there is no bathing involved at all. Instead, the idea is to simply immerse oneself in nature. The practice has been shown to have many positive health benefits. As a low-impact physical activity, it is ideal for seniors who are seeking to improve their physical and mental well-being. The idea was conceived in 1982, when the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries created the term shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing” or “absorbing the forest atmosphere.” According to the United Nations Population Division, by 2050 three quarters of the world’s population will live in cities and – currently – the average American spends 93% of their time indoors. It has never been more important to get out, explore nature and reap the rewards of forest bathing.

How to experience forest bathing

You likely won’t have to travel far to indulge in forest bathing. A park, an empty beach, a nature preserves, walking/hiking trails or any setting in which nature can be enjoyed and absorbed is an ideal environment. There are several tips that can ensure you get the most out of the experience.

• Clear your schedule - studies recommend a minimum 10 to 20 minutes of forest bathing per session but also reveal an average of two hours is ideal.
• Leave behind devices - cell phones, tablets, etc.
• Pay attention to your senses - focus on what can you see, smell, taste, feel and hear.
• Take time to notice details - closely study the intricacies of your surroundings.
• Embrace the quiet and peace - forest bathing is meant to be a process of relaxation.
• Be safe - be aware of your surroundings, stay on trails and designated areas and wear appropriate shoes and clothing.

The benefits of forest bathing

According to the National Library of Medicine, research has found that forest bathing has many positive physiological effects on the human body. Those include:

• Blood pressure and heart rate reduction.
• Enhanced autonomic and immune functions.
• Improved mental health.
• Reduced saliva cortisol levels.
• Stabilized autonomic nervous activity.
• Calm and relaxed state.
• Overall increase in well-being and happiness.
• Decreased amounts of stress.