As the days grow longer and nature begins to wake from its winter slumber, spring is the perfect time for renewal - not just for our homes, but for our minds too. With the change in seasons comes an opportunity to reset, slow down, and embrace the outdoors in a meaningful way. One practice that embodies this idea beautifully is Forest Bathing, a Japanese tradition of immersing yourself in nature to enhance well-being.
To explore this further, we’ve teamed up with Lindsey Heath of Dorset Forest Bathing, who shares her insights into the benefits of spending time in nature and simple ways to get started. Whether you're looking for a way to de-stress, boost your mood, or simply reconnect with the natural world, these gentle practices can help you ‘spring clean’ your mind and find a sense of calm.
Forest Bathing
When was the last time you lay down in the woods, walked barefoot in nature, or sat beside a tree for no reason other than to enjoy the moment? Whether this sounds like the most natural thing in the world to you, or would make you feel a bit uncomfortable, you’d actually be doing yourself a favour. Scientific research shows us that spending time quietly in nature is extremely beneficial to us. Not only improving our wellbeing emotionally by reducing stress and boosting mood, but actually improving our physical health too. It has been found that the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing (meaning simply immersing yourself in the forest environment and using your senses to tune into your surroundings) can improve everything from poor sleep to boosting your immune system and lowering risk of heart disease.
“wherever there are trees we are healthier and happier”
writes Dr Qing Li, he’s the Japanese medical doctor credited with coining the term ‘forest bathing’ and is the world’s foremost expert in forest medicine and immunology. His books highlight straightforward ways we can improve our health by connecting to nature.
If you'd like to give it a go, spring is a fantastic time to start as there is so much going on in nature to capture our attention. You could look for a local guided event, or give it a go yourself. Some simple tips for getting started from me would be;
- Schedule some protected time to do it. Make space in the diary, even if it is 30 mins in your local park
- Decide on a natural location you'd feel comfortable in or would like to explore
- Switch off the mobile phone and resist the urge to keep checking it
- Take a small mat or blanket with you to sit on
- Try to walk more slowly than usual, seeing what captures your interest
- Stop and listen, you may want to close your eyes, what can you hear?
- If you find a spot that you want to pause a while in then do so, sit or lie down, and enjoy.
I have a few more bits of kit that I take out with me to enhance the experience and use when appropriate; hammock for when I fancy a rest and find the perfect two trees, ground sheet/mat for lying on the ground in damp conditions, hand lens or loupe for looking at nature up close - especially good for mosses and lichens.
There is no right or wrong way to enjoy time in nature and feel connected to it, some people may want to take a sketch pad or camera, while others may be comfortable meditating for hours on end.
For simple tips that can support your wellbeing and mental health check out my Instagram account, Dorset Forest Bathing.
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For more information on Forest Bathing, visit Lindsey's site at: dorsetforestbathing.co.uk or her Instagram dorset_forest_bathing.
All image credits go to Claire Mallon Photography
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If you are not in the forest, but want to be, this song will immerse you with a soft and atmospheric soundscape.
