Forest Bathing: De-stressing From City Life
Our modern life in the city can be hectic and full of stressors. From noise pollution, extended exposure to screens, and crowded spaces, our minds can often feel burdened trying to fulfill work and family related expectations.
Forest Bathing: De-stressing From City Life
Our modern life in the city can be hectic and full of stressors. From noise pollution, extended exposure to screens, and crowded spaces, our minds can often feel burdened trying to fulfill work and family related expectations.
Health experts are now recommending forest bathing, a form of therapy with traditional roots. Let’s learn how forest bathing can help the mind destress from a busy life.
What Is Forest Bathing
In modern society, we spend up to 90% of our time indoors. This can lead to a wide range of mental health problems, such as depression, isolation and zoochosis.
The Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing involves leaving the city behind for lush forests as a way to reconnect with nature. The most important part? Leave your phones behind to minimize distractions.
Health Benefits of Forest Bathing
Taking a trip into the forest not only gives you the chance to recalibrate and reconnect with nature, it also offers many long-lasting benefits.
For one, the air in forests is much cleaner than in the city. City air is often full of carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals) and carbon monoxide as a by-product of fossil fuels.
Prolonged exposure to toxic city air pollution can lead to breathing and heart disorders and increased inflammation of the cells.
In contrast, forest air is oxygen rich and free from pollutants. Forest air not only improves the immune system, but also can lead to a reduction of stress and anxiety symptoms.
Research has shown that people who took trips into the forest had a better overall mental state. On top of that, their sleep quality has also improved.
The Science of Forest Bathing
One of the reasons forest bathing is so effective is because of the chemicals trees release into the air. These essential oils, known as phytoncides, are released by trees into the air to protect themselves from germs and insects.
When inhaled by humans, these phytoncides provide physical and mental benefits.
Types of Phytoncides
Trees release different kinds of phytoncides, among them are:
Α-pinene: used to treat respiratory infections, with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties
D-limonene: anti-inflammatory and cancer preventing properties
Β-pinene: opens the airways, aids in stress reduction, and protects the brain
Sabinene: anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-fungal
Myrcene: muscle relaxation and pain relief
Camphene: anti-inflammatory, pain relief, prevents cancer growth, and protects the heart
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