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A forest “bath” in the Carlington woods

If you’ve ever felt better after taking a walk in the woods—any woods—you’ve practiced forest bathing and didn’t even know it. The fresh air, bird calls, the sunlight through the trees, and the smells of earth and plants are often just what the doctor ordered at the end of a stressful day.

Forest bathing, or forest therapy as it’s also known, was inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, a term that means taking in the forest atmosphere.The practice was developed in the 1980s and soon became an important element of Japan’s approach to health care and preventative medicine.

The scientifically-proven benefits of shinrin-yoku include:

• Boosted immune system function
• Reduced blood pressure and stress
• Improved mood and sleep
• Increased ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
• Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
• Increased energy level

Forest bathing isn’t a hike or a guided nature walk. Many of its practices draw from mindfulness exercises, so you go slow and rely on all your senses to experience your surroundings.

It’s the journey, not the destination that counts in forest therapy.

Interested in learning more? The Friends of Carlington Hill is pleased to host its first Forest Therapy walk in the Carlington Woods, led by forest therapy guide Andrea Prazmowski.

Spaces are limited. To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forest-therapy-tickets-62142460773.