We look at possibly the easiest way to reduce stress and your chances of getting sick.

We all know that wonderful feeling of spending time in nature. The crisp air, swaying trees and sounds of local wildlife make us feel happy and rejuvenated.

A recent study in Environmental Research found spending time in green spaces was linked to reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol, lower heart rate, reduced risk of coronary heart disease, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, reduced risk of type II diabetes, reduced all-cause mortality and death from heart disease.

What is forest bathing?

The Japanese have a quirky name for relaxing in green spaces. It’s forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku. Shinrin in Japanese means forest and yoku means bath. 

Shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through your senses. It was developed during the high stress environment of 1980s corporate Japan and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in the country.

How does forest bathing improve your health?

According to the World Health Organisation, stress is the health epidemic of the 21st century and is responsible for many chronic illnesses.

We spoke to local GP Dr Adam Osborne, who practices both Western and Eastern medicine, about how forest bathing can help reduce your risk of disease. After becoming a GP in Australia, Adam studied acupuncture in China. He also studied at the Toyohari school of Japanese acupuncture which teaches a delicate form of Oriental medicine invented by blind Japanese acupuncturists in the 1950s.

“The forest, trees and deep green colours are soothing to the eyes and the senses," he said. 

"This relaxes tension constraining the liver and allows for the smooth distribution of blood to the body and from the digestive system.

“The digestive system and brain are intimately connected so there are also obviously additional mental health benefits as well.

“Quite simply, most of us could really do with some time surrounded by nature,” Dr Osborne said.  

How do you do it?

Forest bathing isn't exercise like walking or running. You don’t even need a forest, just a few trees. 

Find a nice spot, sit quietly and use your senses to absorb and connect with nature. It’s about bridging the gap between you and the natural world. 

Let the sights and sounds wash over you. Find a piece of bark, a leaf or stone that draws your attention and take time to really see and consider it. 

Leave your devices behind, surround yourself by trees and let the health benefits flow! 

Want to know more?

Forest Bathing – Dr Qing Li a guide to the therapeutic Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or the art and science of how trees can promote health and happiness.

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