During forest bathing, you don’t have to take your clothes off, dive into the water or the fallen leaves. You simply go into the forest, start directing your senses there, turn off your phone, and spend a few hours doing as much conscious light physical exercise as possible.
If you live in the city, you’ve probably noticed that you feel less stressed after a weekend in the countryside. It also gives a sense of relief, relaxation, and lowers blood pressure. There’s less fog in the head after such a rest.
Interacting with nature has been shown to have a tangible impact on our physical and mental health.
Results from a 2018 meta-analysis showed statistically significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure, salivary cortisol, and heart rate after exposure to green space. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease mortality, and overall mortality were reduced among those who engaged in “forest bathing” and similar activities.
In Japan and South Korea, where most of the research on forest bathing has been conducted to date, the practice is taken very seriously. It is prescribed by doctors. So if you have stress or high blood pressure in these countries, you can consult your doctor and get a prescription to visit a forest bathing clinic. Dr. Kirsten McEwan, Associate Professor of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Derby, said: The results of her research showed that taking a bath in the forest led to a 12% improvement in heart rate variability and personal mood. And these results are clinically significant.
A Japanese study found that people who spent time in nature had a 50 percent increase in the levels of cancer-protective proteins in their blood. Scientific evidence also suggests that spending just 120 minutes a week in nature can improve health.
News materials are not equivalent to a doctor’s prescription. Consult a specialist before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
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