Let’s go forest bathing – Part 5 - Breathe In The Forest

Throughout June I’ll be sharing tips and insights on how to Forest Bathe exclusively on 9KM BY 9AM and the Outside & Active website.

A 30-minute forest bathe once or twice a week will help you slow down. It will bring you into the present moment and de-stress and relax you.

SMELL THE FOREST

Letting the forest in is the key to unlocking its power - let nature enter through your eyes, ears nose, mouth, hands and feet. Today we’re breathing in the forest.

One of the most powerful elements of Shinrin Yoku is the fragrance, the trees release.

PHYTONCIDES

Trees release Phytoncides into the air. They 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 or NK. These cells kill tumor- and virus-infected cells in our bodies.

NEGATIVE IONS

Ions are charged particles in the air. They can be positive or negative. Negative ions are good ones and are said to have energising and refreshing affects and to help increase mental clarity and our sense of well-being.

There are more negative ions outdoors than there are indoors, and they are abundant in forests and near waterfalls, rivers and streams. The air near a waterfall can contain as many as 100,000 negative ions per cubic centimetre.

Where as the air in your office may only have a few, so it’s no wonder that a walk near a waterfall can feel so invigorating and if you walk near stream or a river you’ll maximise your intake of negative ions and boost your energy levels.

TREE AROMAS

The CEDAR TREE aroma relaxes the nerves and calms the spirit. Its aroma is used to stimulate emotional strength and to promote feelings of self acceptance.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Breathe in Phytoncides. Find a space in the forest, wood, park or garden near trees. Slow down… sit peacefully. Focus on your breath - take deep in and out breaths. Repeat this for 20 minutes.

Breathe in negative ions. For best results go to the wood just after it has rained. Or stand near a fresh water or a waterfall.

My book, Walking Back To Happiness: The Secret To Alcohol-Free Living & Well-Being and my coaching course Reroot Yourself shows how you can massively improve your mental and physical well-being, through re-connecting or rerooting with the natural world, walking outdoors, watching sunrises, forest bathing and being more mindful about the changes in nature that are happening all around you.

Reroot Yourself Website

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