Wednesday, October 27, 2021

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.

21 comments:

  1. I love your photos and the quotes really do inspire one to pick that book up!

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  2. forest bathing is really healthy for your body and mind

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  3. I love taking a walk in the woods. When ever we get a chance, we love to go for a weekend breakaway to a place not that far (about 2 hours) from us where there's a lovely walk through to forest to the beach. I always feel refreshed and happy with life when we return. Trees are magical!

    So glad you've enjoyed your trip to Arkansas so much!

    Enjoy the rest of your week dear Debbie and thanks for joining in WWW!

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  4. What a great word! (And idea and pictures, too...)

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  5. I like it when science proves what common sense already tells us. The Ozarks are beautiful at any time, but right now with cooler weather it must be wonderful. Thanks for the great quotes!

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  6. I love the image of bathing in a forest!

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  7. Going for a walk in a forest is always a good stress reliever, not sure how it lowers cortisol other than the exercise

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  8. This is why I love blogging and my circle of blogging friends. I could have easily passed by a stack of copies of Renewal on a table in a bookstore without a second glance. However, reading this post has not only inspired me to buy a copy, but I have several people on my Christmas list who would enjoy it, as well. Thank you, Deb!!

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    1. I agree with you completely, Les. I always find the best books from my blogging friends.

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  9. Just looking at your photos in the woods hiking makes me feel more relaxed. Your trip sounds amazing!

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  10. I enjoyed seeing your photos of your hikes, Deb. I think I need to get out into the forests or bush around here instead of just walking on the paved trail around the neighbourhood.

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  11. Forest bathing sounds interesting. Nice pics!

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  12. Miyazaki's research was really the clincher on this one! :) Reading about Nature is something new I discovered this year, and that too is its own kind of stress-buster.

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  13. I like nothing more than walking through woods and forests, whatever the time of year. There's nothing as satisfying as communing with nature.

    My snapshots!

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  14. if I had some forests close by me I would probably go hiking more. But Mt Charleston is about an hour away.

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  15. I love going outdoors and enjoying nature! I totally believe in these health benefits. Now, if I could only find a way to go for a hike on a more regular basis.

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  16. Yay for Arkansas photos! I'm so glad you had a good time. It's nice to have something we instinctively feel backed up by science.

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  17. Just sitting in an armchair at my back door, soaking up vitamin D makes me feel like Benjamin Franklin and his air baths. Big difference--Ben was naked!

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