The following article was written by Jason Prigge, the Development Director at the Woodland Dunes Nature Center.
Sometimes the anxieties of our fast-paced lives can wear us down. The day-to-day struggles and trials build up, and before we know it, we are overwhelmed. Well, Woodland Dunes has got a deal for you! For the price of…well, nothing (our trails are free to walk) you can take a break from the daily grind and center yourself with a Forest Bath. Spending time in nature, amongst the trees and grass, and mindfully engaging within a forest atmosphere or other natural environments is referred to as Forest Bathing. It is usually done by walking through a forest at a slow and gentle pace, without electronics, taking time to soak up the surrounding nature.
Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing was developed in Japan as a response to increasing urbanization and technological advancements, and was put forth to inspire the public to reconnect with nature to insure the protection of the forests. The idea was that if people could connect with nature, they would want to protect it. The term shinrin-yoku was coined in 1982 by Tomohide Akiyama, the director of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
After several studies were conducted in Japan during the 1980s, forest bathing was seen to be an effective therapy method. Akiyama knew of the findings that demonstrated the beneficial health effects of compounds, such as phytoncides, and essential oils that certain trees and plants emit. Thus, he officially put forward shinrin-yoku as a recognized practice, promoting its benefits to the Japanese public and establishing guidelines for its implementation.
The Finnish Forest Association along with the Finnish Forest Therapy Centre promotes forest therapy and provides organized activities for forest visitors to practice it. These activities focus on well-being, and mind and body recovery. Visitors include various groups, companies, and communities.
Health benefits of forest bathing include: boosted immune system, improved mental health and mood, decreased blood pressure, and a decreased concentration of the stress hormone cortisol. These benefits can be experienced while walking through a forest even for just a few hours.
Fall is a great time for a walk on one of Woodland Dune’s many trails to soak in the healing power of our local environment, take in the beautiful colors and get your mind right. Stop in our nature center for a trail map. Wander in wonder and wellness!
