Why Forest Bathing Can Make You Healthier and Happier, According to Science
Spending time in the forest has a soothing, refreshing effect on our bodies and minds. But how does it work, exactly?
Whether you're on a riverbank or hiking trail, or even in the ice-cold water, rhythmic movement and a change in perspective will help you find inner peace and harmony
The same principle always applies, regardless of whether you’re on a rowing boat, canoe or kayak. You glide across the water powered by your own strength. What starts out as a purely physical workout can unexpectedly ground you in the moment. Once you’ve got into the rhythm of the constantly repeating moments, you’ll be able to concentrate fully on your surroundings and yourself.
What’s more, the element of water has a positive effect on our bodies. It’s not without reason that rivers and lakes are popular holiday destinations. The refreshing air and clear water have beneficial effects on our breathing and skin. The blue of the water – known to be the colour of relaxation – has been proven to lower the pulse. And listening to the sound of water splashing reduces stress.
What some people call a “pilgrimage” is referred to as “mindful walking” by others. What both these terms mean is moving attentively, forgetting everyday life and finding yourself. You don’t need to cover hundreds of miles to do this. Even short walks in nature or through the city can have a calming effect. The technique is easy to explain. No matter where you go for a walk, try to notice everything. Every movement, every smell, every sound. Whether it's the forest’s earthy scent, the chirping of birds or the feeling of uneven ground under your feet, the more attention you pay to your surroundings, the more intense the impressions will be. As a consequence, stress melts away, we become calmer and more relaxed, and enjoy the exercise in the open air.
Summer is coming to an end and with it the bathing season too. You’d be wrong to think that, though, because in some places, winter also offers the opportunity for bathing trips – with a small but subtle difference: water temperatures are around freezing point. The intense sensations when ice bathing automatically brings you into the here and now. Calm, deep and even breathing also helps your body deal with the sudden shock of the cold. What are the benefits? Ice bathing not only strengthens the immune system and promotes health, but also teaches the body to deal with stressful situations and to remain calm.
When ice bathing, it’s important to always put time into preparation and follow-up, and to have somebody with you to help in case of emergency.
Nature as a type of giant picture puzzle. However, unlike in those traditional ones you get in magazines, when doing this activity you’re not trying to spot mistakes or differences. Birdwatching, as the name suggests, is about searching for birds and their habitats. This detailed look at the surroundings opens up a whole new world for observers: that of the birds. All that you need is a little patience, plenty of time, and to keep your eyes and ears open. Relaxation is practically automatic, because if you concentrate on one thing for long enough, you don’t have the chance to get caught up with other things. In addition, birdsong has a relaxing effect on us humans. The reason for this is that natural sounds, such as the singing of birds or burbling of water, evoke positive associations.
Editor’s tip: don’t forget your binoculars and bird guide.
Two elderly white-haired men in olive-green apparel stand in the water with serious looks on their faces for hours on end waiting for a fish to bite. This scene could very well conjure up the word "boredom" – and with capital letters at that. Mistakenly so, however, because if you look beyond this cliché, you’ll realise that more than just a great catch can be landed at the edge of the shore. The mixture of activity and inactivity enables us to use all our senses and immerse ourselves in them more intensively. When tranquillity sets in and we become patient, we learn to observe our surroundings whilst fishing. We listen to the silence and feel the rhythm of nature.
Author: Corinna Meyer
Spending time in the forest has a soothing, refreshing effect on our bodies and minds. But how does it work, exactly?
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