Forest bathing in the Arenal Volcano 

We all know that getting out in nature and breathing in the scent of fresh air is good for us, and yet so many of us put off this vital activity in favour of work or screen time. This is where forest bathing steps in to offer us an alternative, immersive experience that helps us unwind from the stresses of daily life while reconnecting with nature.

If you experience feelings of stress, anxiety or being overwhelmed, consider trying forest bathing. Forest bathing can be as simple as taking 10 minutes out of your day to focus on nothing other than nature or can be a fully immersive 2-3-hour experience which allows you to totally switch off from urban life and discover the magic of the natural world. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your mood improves and how much easier it is to focus on simplicity and gratitude when you’re not distracted by the buzz of daily life.

WHAT IS FOREST BATHING?

Forest bathing, also known as The Japanese Art Of Shinrin Yoku, is essentially dedicating time spent outdoors in a calm, forest environment to help connect with both nature and yourself through the use of your five senses. Forest bathing is a therapeutic, immersive, wellbeing activity that aims to bring peace and connection while also having long-term benefits for your mental and physical health.

WHY IS COSTA RICA A SPECIAL PLACE TO BEGIN THE PRACTICE OF FOREST BATHING?

Costa Rica accounts for only 0.03 percent of the earth’s surface (has only 51.100km2). However it contains nearly 6 percent of the world’s biodiversity. Its natural wealth, both in species and ecosystems, is partly explained by its geographical position.

The geographical position, surrounded by its two coasts with a mountainous system, provides numerous and varied microclimates that give rise to this natural wealth, both in species and in ecosystems. About 500,000 species inhabit this small territory and represent about 4% of the total estimated species worldwide.

So, can you image how spectacular could be practice a forest bathing walk while you visiting Costa Rica? An amazing experience!

Prepare your senses!

HOW DO YOU TAKE A FOREST BATH?

Rather than simply taking a walk in the woods, forest bathing is about having a deeper sensory experience through mindfulness and meditation techniques. While anyone can easily try forest bathing themselves, it can be beneficial to join a dedicated group activity the first time you try it so that you can fully immerse yourself in the practice, receiving professional guidance along the way. This will allow you to learn the best techniques to quiet the chatter in your mind and to open your senses in a new way which will allow you to experience the forest on a deeper level.

Forest bathing is not about how far you walk or how much you learn (intellectually) about the forest, but rather about the connection you have to nature and the peace and stillness you can find in the moment.

If you do want to try forest bathing yourself, take yourself off into the woods, finding a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted. The key is to go slow. Rather than covering a great distance, focus on a small section of forest, taking time to feel, see and experience each element of nature, stopping regularly to simply sit and take it all in.

Instead of thinking about how beautiful things are, try to go one step further and feel the beauty of light, textures and sensations. This is best experienced when you try to use all of your senses; spending time looking around, breathing in the scent of the forest and listening out for sounds of birds and wildlife as well as the delicate noises of leaves falling or twigs underfoot. If you feel comfortable, consider taking off your shoes; feeling the moisture and texture of soil beneath your feet, or touching and hugging leaves, trees and branches.

WHY FOREST BATHING IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Forest bathing is thought to have many health benefits including:

• Lowering cortisol levels, blood pressure and heart rate
•  Boosting our immune systems.
• Increases parasympathetic nerve activity, the signifier of a relaxed biological system and a general sense of calm.

All the world need ‘green care’ to support those suffering from mental ill-health after Covid-19. Not only do forest bathing and other green experiences allow you to reap the benefits of being out in nature, but it also allows you to improve your mindfulness techniques which will come in handy even when sitting at your desk!

Let’s start virtual rainforest sound bath!

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