Pexels/Josh Hild
Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) is a Japanese practice of immersing yourself in nature to rejuvenate the mind and body. Unlike hiking or jogging outside, forest bathing is about moving slowly and connecting with nature through all your senses. As the world comes back to life after a long Minnesota winter, this is a great time to try this ancient practice.
Find a quiet place in a park, forest or garden. Begin by tuning into the sights, sounds and smells around you. Notice the rustling leaves, birdsongs or the feel of sunlight on your skin. You might walk slowly or sit in silence, allowing yourself to observe without distraction. Take time to simply be in nature, and allow yourself to bathe in the sensory experience of being outside.
Forest bathing is a simple practice that has been shown to reduce stress and lower blood pressure and cortisol, while improving your mood. Just 20 minutes of forest bathing can have a noticeable calming effect. Letting yourself be fully present in nature can help reset your mood, release daily stressors and clear your mind.
Kelly Smith is the founder of Yoga For You and author of You Are Not Your Thoughts.
