Let’s go to the forest to gather health and well-being

It’s a fact that stress and stress-related diseases have become a global challenge. Humans are bombarded with countless stimuli from all sides, which means that our body is overstimulated practically all the time. You are probably familiar with the feeling when too much is happening around you, and you don’t know how you will cope with all the challenges. That happens because of the constant exposure to numerous stimuli from the environment. That is why it is vital to know how to find a way to calm down and put all the obligations, demands and challenges of our everyday life aside.

It took humans about seven million years to evolve into what we are today. During this process of evolution, we lived more than 99% of the time in close contact with nature. Our bodies are adapted to the natural environment. But in recent times, we have somewhat forgotten this with the development of the urban environment. However, in recent decades, more and more people are beginning to realize how important it is to step away from our modern lives and return to nature. Science also clearly confirms how important it is to spend as much time as possible in various natural environments, particularly in the forest. Forest offers many positive effects on our health and general well-being.

Forest bathing might be the answer

Many cultures have always perceived the forest as a sacred space. There are extraordinary energies in the forest, and there is no doubt about that. Indeed, the forest can be a natural source of health and well-being, which already attracted the attention of science almost four decades ago. In the early 80s, the Japanese Tomohide Akiyama coined the term “Shinrin-Yoku”, which can be translated as a forest bath. But you don’t need a swimsuit to be able to take a forest bath. It’s about immersing yourself in a beautiful forest environment with the help of various techniques and feeling it with all your senses.

There are more and more findings from various studies about the positive effects of forest bathing. They show us how good it can be to consciously and mindfully spend time in the forest. Studies have shown, among other things, that the forest bath has a positive effect on the management of:

– anxiety,

– depression,

– mood disorders,

– burnout,

– stress as a consequence of lifestyle

– general quality of life.

It can also help with high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and strengthening general immunity.

The main purpose of forest therapy is holistic relaxation of body and mind. We must be aware that health is far from just the absence of disease; it is all about living a quality life as individuals. But health care is a story that never ends. It is a lifelong process that can be significantly influenced by the decisions we make every moment.

Although living in cities brings many advantages, humans need nature for their health and well-being. Suppose we are constantly surrounded by unnatural noise, always in a hurry, and under stress. In that case, this can significantly endanger our health and quality of life in the long run.

We immediately feel better when we enter any natural environment, not just the forest. We are more relaxed, suddenly have more energy, and our mind is sharper. Although it is a simple step, even a short walk in the forest can do a lot for us.