When you go hiking, do you sense that taking a walk through the trees is good for you? You're right! Back in 1982, the Japanese government issued public service announcements encouraging people to walk in forests to relieve stress and improve health. They called it shinrin-yoku, which translates to "forest bathing." I wish we Americans would’ve had a Public Service Announcement on forest bathing. The only PSAs I remember on health during the 1980s were “exercise your choppers” and “hanker for a hunk-of-cheese.” ;)
Studies show that both
exercising in forests and just sitting and looking at trees reduces blood
pressure and reduces the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
Looking at pictures of trees has a similar, but less dramatic effect. Studies have
compared walking in forests to walking in urban, unplanted areas, and the
urban walkers showed no reduction of stress-related hormones. Forest bathing also
significantly decreases scores on a standardized inventory for
anxiety, depression, anger, confusion and fatigue.
Another interesting effect of shinrin-yoku is that it boosts our
immune system. When we breathe in fresh air, we
breathe in phytoncides, which are airborne chemicals that plants give off to
protect themselves from insects. Phytoncides have antibacterial and antifungal
qualities which help plants fight disease. When people breathe in these
chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a type
of white blood cell called natural killer cells. These cells kill tumor- and
virus-infected cells in our bodies. In one study, people who spent three days
and two nights on a forest bathing trip increased their natural killer cell activity
for more than 30 days following the trip. Japanese researchers are currently
exploring whether exposure to forests can help prevent certain kinds of cancer.
Yet another awesome benefit: shinrin-yoku may
help you focus better. Our lives are busier than ever, and attempting to focus
on many activities can mentally drain us. Even maintaining focus on a single
thing for a long period of time can deplete us mentally. This is a phenomenon
called “Directed Attention Fatigue.” Spending time in nature, looking at trees,
plants, water, birds and other aspects of nature gives the cognitive portion
of our brain a break, which allows us to focus better and renews our ability to
be patient.
Here are nine of the research-based health benefits of shinrin-yoku.
1. Lowers
blood pressure
2. Reduces
stress
3. Boosts the immune system
4. Increases
ability to focus
5. Enhances
patience
6. Improves
mood and sense of well-being
7. Increases
energy level
8. Improves
sleep
9. Accelerates
recovery after surgery or illness
Research shows that visiting a forest has real, quantifiable
health benefits. Even spending just five minutes around trees or in green
spaces has the power to improve your health. Think of shinrin-yoku like a prescription
with no negative side effects…and it’s free!
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