Spending time in nature has proven again and again to be good for mental and physical health. Hence the rise in ‘forest bathing’ as a trend. Here’s what forest bathing is all about and where to do it in South Africa!
The concept of “forest bathing” originated in Japan and involves immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of a forest. It’s not about exercise or hiking, rather, it’s about slowing down, breathing deeply and connecting with nature. Think of it as being intentionally present while being surrounded by nature.
The reason it’s become so popular? Because of the incredible mental and physical benefits. Studies show that spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, plus exposure to green spaces has been linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression and lowered blood pressure. The act of practising mindfulness in a setting that promotes well-being has also been shown to improve concentration and general mental clarity.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your forest bathing experience:
1. Set your phone to airplane mode or ‘do not disturb’, so that you can feel truly present.
2. Walk slowly and take in your surroundings with all five of your senses, working through them one at a time.
3. Sit quietly for a few minutes to simply observe the natural world around you.
4. Practise mindful breathing to help you to stay present in the moment.
There are a number of safe places to practise forest bathing in South Africa, but we also recommend taking a friend or loved one with you to enjoy the experience together and to look out for one another.
We recommend visiting closed off safe forested areas, such as:
1. Botanical Gardens, like Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town or Walter Sisulu in Johannesburg. For a list of botanical gardens in South Africa, click here.
2.National parks, like the Tsitsikamma National Park where you can walk among the trees and listen to the ocean and forest.
3. Local parks in your neighbourhood that are safe and filled with trees.
4. Visiting a country club or golf course that allows people to walk on the property and enjoy the greenery.
5. Mountain trails and forests in your area that are safe to visit.
Even spending time in your own garden practising mindfulness can be beneficial. Need some help with practising mindfulness? Read this expert-led approach to practising mindfulness for mental health here.