With increasing evidence of the positive impact nature has on our mental and physical well-being, spending time in nature still isn’t always commonplace in people's lives. As a wildlife charity, Cornwall Wildlife Trust are always looking at nature connectedness and ways to support people in developing and deepening their relationship with the natural world.
Which is why we got excited about ‘Shinrin Yoku’ or forest bathing when we discovered the Japanese practice, shown to bring you calm and boost your physical and mental health. Shinrin Yoku originates from Japan in the 1980s when the government was concerned about rising stress levels and burnout. Researchers discovered that time spent in forests reduced stress and blood pressure, boosted immunity and led to improved mood and better sleep.
The overwhelm that we can feel from constant bombardment from our phones, stressful jobs or negative news from around the world really can be reduced by taking the time for a mindful walk in the woods.
To enjoy your own ‘dip’ in the woods this spring, first, choose a woodland to visit, and turn off your phone so you won’t be distracted. Walk slowly through the trees, taking the time to notice what’s going on around you. Find a quiet spot where you can sit or stand and just ‘be’. Notice if distracting thoughts come and allow them to quietly pass, for now, just focus on nature. Use all of your senses, notice what you can see, smell, touch or hear, how the air tastes.
By stopping to notice nature and tuning into the world around us, we can start to slow our minds and really benefit from the positive effects of being in nature.
Interested in exploring further? We have an interview with Paul Simmons from Forest Bathing Cornwall on the Wild Cornwall Podcast. Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, Apple or the Cornwall Wildlife Trust website.
There are many wonderful woods in Cornwall where you can practice Shinrin Yoku and immerse yourself in nature. A few of our nature reserves are the perfect location for your first try at forest bathing. Head to Devichoys Woods at Perranarworthal, Cabilla and Redrice Woods near Bodmin or Pendarves Woods near Camborne.
Woodland flowers are some of the first to appear in the spring. Look out for primrose and lesser celandine as well as alexanders and wood anenome. If you’re patient, you might see a queen bumblebee, recently emerged from hibernation and gathering pollen to feed her next generation.
