Spending time in nature is good for your wellbeing. The Japanese have known this for years. They even have a term for it: shinrin-yoku which means forest bathing and references the wondrous effects that spending time in nature does for us.

In a study done in the UK and documented here over 20,000 individuals were studied to learn about the effects that spending time in nature and forests has on people. People who spent more time in nature reported high wellbeing and good health.

Another study (link) done by the American Heart Association shows that spending time in nature leads to less stress and anxiety. People who spend time outside also report lower levels of stress, depression, self-involvedness, fatigue, lack of inspiration, angst and anti-social tendencies.

SHINRIN-YOKU (Forest Bathing) began in Japan in the 1980s and has spread all over the world in the 40 years since then. Nowadays it is revered in many countries as an easily accessible, healthy way to spend time in nature. Although this is not widely known by Japanese themselves, the word SHINRIN-YOKU is used in other languages as-is, in a similar fashion to MATCHA and WAGYU, and enjoyed on weekends, days off and vacations.

As some of you may know, SHINRIN-YOKU has wonderful health-promoting effects. This is effective in reducing stress hormones and can improve depression, therefore it may be effective in reducing mental stress and preventing mental disorders during the Coronavirus calamity. Furthermore, forest bathing can prevent hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory diseases by strengthening immunity and reducing stress. From these perspectives, forest bathing can contribute to both the prevention of infection with the coronavirus itself as well as the worsening effects of its effects.

Through many research projects around the world, looking at its health-promoting effects, SHINRIN-YOKU has received a lot of scientific evidence to back up its claims.

From these results it has become clear that:

① One 20-minute to 2-hour SHINRIN-YOKU session promotes parasympathetic nerve activity, reduces mental stress and stress hormones, and is effective in improving depression.

② SHINRIN-YOKU provides stress relief which exerts a preventive effect on lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory diseases.

③ A SHINRIN-YOKU session of 2 nights and 3 days enhances immune function, and the effect lasts for about 1 month.

It seems that many modern physical and mental health problems indeed can be remedied by SHINRIN-YOKU.

Fortunately, there are many forests around the world that are suitable for SHINRIN-YOKU. And it can also be practised in large parks and green spaces near your home or office.

If you usually visit the park for a walk, to play with your children, or to walk your pets, try taking in some SHINRIN-YOKU to improve your health as well. If you have never experienced SHINRIN-YOKU before, take this opportunity to try the pleasant sensation.

Then, incorporate SHINRIN-YOKU into a daily practice to boost your immune system and ensure your mind and body are less susceptible to illnesses!

Nature heals

When you go to a wellness retreat close to nature, you will notice a decrease in anger, fear and stress. Inside Japan tours, nature makes you feel refreshed emotionally but also help improve your physical wellbeing such as reducing heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension and lessens the production of stress hormones.

Nature soothes

One of the most beautiful aspects of nature is that it helps you deal with pain and help you heal. Natural elements like water and plants have a positive impact and soothe you physically, mentally and spiritually. Shinrinyoku tours can provide you with vacations in Japan, which is known to have healing qualities.

Nature restores

Many studies have proven that being out-doors or close to nature helps in uplifting moods of individuals and makes them feel less depressed, anxious or stressed. When you book a wellness tour with us, you will get a chance to view and absorb the beauty of nature. It will increase your ability to pay attention, reflect and improve both your physical and mental health.

 【US】At 10 Minute Walk, we are working with city leaders across the US to make sure that 100 percent of people in US cities have access to safe, quality green space within a 10-minute walk by 2050.  SOURCE

【DE】New trend: SHINRIN-YOKU instead of walking. SOURCE

Trend from japan wellness with SHINRIN-YOKU. SOURCE

SHINRIN-YOKU is the new wellness trend from japan from 1980th. SOURCE

SHINRIN-YOKU - forest bathing: the health trend from Japan. SOURCE