We all know them, the particularly stressful phases in life when you don't know where your head is at. While a short-term increase in adrenaline caused by stress can sometimes inspire us and motivate us to perform at our best, long-term stress has a negative effect on our body and also our soul. A short walk in the forest may provide some relief. The healing effects of the forest What was once known as a walk in the forest is now often called forest bathing.
However, the effect remains the same: a stay in the forest literally lets you breathe a sigh of relief. You can gather new energy and achieve calm and inner peace. In fact, the beneficial effects of nature can be experienced with just the first few steps – with all of your senses.
The sounds you make with every step, the smell of needles, leaves and wet grass, the forest's very own special melody. In Japan, forest bathing, known there as “Shinrin Yoku,” has long been a tradition and is even an integral part of health care. In fact, spending time in the forest is true medicine. Just an hour in the forest lowers your blood pressure, increases your lung capacity and reduces the release of stress hormones.
Doesn't sound bad, does it? The effect has been scientifically proven, but the causes are not exactly known. Maybe it's the grounding calm that a forest radiates, or the special climate. A different climate It may sound strange at first, but the climate in the forest is different. The treetops block the sun's rays and the trees evaporate water.
For this reason it is always so pleasantly cool there and particularly relaxing, especially in summer. In addition, the humidity in the forest is also slightly higher than outside. The reason: A large tree can evaporate up to 200 liters of water and release a lot of oxygen and essential oils. In addition, the green of the plants is said to have a calming effect on our nerves. Time in the forest If you look for reports about forest bathing, you will sometimes read or hear about spending hours, hugging trees or practicing yoga, Qi Gong or various breathing and relaxation exercises.
Of course, you can do all of this and even more if you want. But don't worry, if that's too much for you, you can just start with a short walk, do your next jog through the forest instead of through the city, or look for craft materials for your children in the forest. Everything is allowed and as much as is good for you. Give it a try.