Being among the trees can improve your life according to recent research. Studies have shown that spending time in nature is highly therapeutic. This therapy has many benefits that improve the state of your physical and mental health. 

Why Is Forest Therapy Necessary?

Humankind has always had a strong division of people who like living in the countryside and those who prefer the urban environment. Over the years more and more people have started settling in the big cities, leaving nature behind. Nowadays we have generations that have never seen a farm animal, let alone spent time in the forest. 

The virtual world has entrapped nations worldwide, causing different mental issues to emerge in a great number of people. This has been the ultimate proof that humankind is one with nature and being apart from it for too long causes serious damage to the health of every individual.

Therefore a forest therapy is not a novelty, but a return to a state that we as humankind have forgotten.

Let The Forest Heal You

The first ones to discover the positive aspects of spending time among the trees were the Japanese. This practice is deeply rooted in their practice called “Shinrin-yoku” which literally translates as forest bathing. But don’t worry, you won’t have to go and have a bath in the forest. This is a metaphor for being surrounded by trees and enjoying the experience. 

Forest therapy can be done alone or with a trained guide. This entails more than a simple walk through the woods though. You will get to experience and reconnect with nature by using all of your senses through many different activities. 

The tranquillity and breath-taking environment that every forest has will provide a perfect setting where we can forget all about our problems and stress. Forest therapy also includes mindfulness, which is practicing being present and awake without being tensed or worried.

What Are The Benefits Of Forest Therapy?

Several studies have shown that forest therapy has had significant benefits on people’s overall health. Firstly, it goes without saying that from the moment you emerge in this experience you will feel instantly more relaxed since you will be enjoying every moment that you spend surrounded by incredible sights and sounds.

According to the findings of one study, forest therapy reduces cortisol, which is the stress hormone. Moreover, researchers have also found that it has a positive impact on a protein in our system that regulates blood sugar levels. 

And finally, the physical activity of walking around the forest is also beneficial to our bodies, even though this isn’t one of the primary goals of forest therapy. 

Once Is Not Enough

If you wish to see the real results of forest therapy, you need to engage in this activity on a regular basis. Going once or twice will help you unwind momentarily, but practicing it regularly can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health.