Shinrin-yoku or Forest Bathing

I read Renewal: How Nature Awakens Our Creativity, Compassion, and Joy by Andrés R. Edwards during a recent trip to the forests of Arkansas. We spent six days taking seven hikes for a total of 20.55 miles. 

Here are a few quotes from Renewal and a few photos from Arkansas.

"Some of the most interesting research on the connection between health and nature is coming from Japan. Walking and spending time in forests, known as shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is a popular form of preventive health care in Japan."

"Studies are now proving the health benefits of spending time in forests. Yoshifumi Miyazaki from Chiba University, Japan, discovered that going for a 40-minute walk in a cedar forest lowers the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, as well as blood pressure and supports the immune system more than a similar 40-minute walk indoors in a lab." 

"Qing Li from Nippon Medical School in Tokyo has shown that trees and plants emit compounds known as phytoncides that when inhaled give us therapeutic benefits akin to aromatherapy. Phytoncides also change the blood composition, which impacts our protection against cancer, boosts our immune system and lowers our blood pressure."

"The psychological benefits of green exercise include reduced stress and anxiety and improvements in self-esteem and mood as well as reduction in blood pressure and an increase in vitamin D from sunlight. Taking a walk outdoors in nature has also been shown to be effective in cases of depression."

"Having access to parks and nature has also been linked with longer life spans and a lower risk of mental illness in Japan, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands."

 

Wondrous Words Wednesday is a weekly meme where you can share new words that you’ve encountered, or spotlight words you love.  Feel free to get creative! It was first created by Kathy over at Bermuda Onion and is now hosted at Elza Reads.

 For more wordless photos, go to Wordless Wednesday.