Living in Alaska offers a lot of benefits, and in summer there is a lot to do outside. There is something that I love to do and that is called forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku.

Forest bathing developed in Japan in the 1980’s, and the basics of it is to take a leisurely stroll in the forest. While doing this, you are supposed to take in everything around you: the sights, the smells, the feel of the ground underneath you, the sounds. If there are berries (and you know how to correctly identify them) you can taste the forest as well.

Forest bathing has been scientifically proven reduce stress, raise immunity levels (Natural Killer cell levels), lower blood pressure, and many other health benefits.Even just looking at a picture a natural setting for 20 minutes can lower the cortisol levels in your saliva. Longer trips have even longer lasting benefits. That’s why after a long camping weekend, people tend to be more relaxed than when they go on a cruise or resort trip. One who spends more time out in nature tends to be more balanced emotionally and this can benefit those who suffer from anxiety or depression

I am blessed that I live on 2 acres of woods, so I don’t have to go far to do this. I can’t even see my neighbors, so I can pretend I’m in the deep woods. While I can’t always enjoy it year round (it gets cold in the winter!), or I don’t always have the time during the summer, I try to get out and enjoy the nature (especially to find new plants I haven’t discovered yet) at least once a week if not once a day.

So if you want to try forest bathing for yourself, try hiking if you live near a bunch of hiking areas. If you live in the city, go find yourself a nice park with some trees and shrubs and sit there for 20 minutes. It doesn’t take long. I know that when I lived in the city I cherished the times I was able to go visit the park and just sit. If you have a lovely garden at home, you probably already know the benefits of forest bathing, without realizing that you were already doing it. Forest bathing is about spending time in nature and taking it in. Leave expectations behind (including the ones about relaxation). Spend some time taking in your surroundings, unattached to outcomes. Notice how the light plays through the leaves, the sounds of the insects and birds, smell the fresh air and all of the scents of the forest (just stay away from skunk cabbage, ew).

Now go and do some forest bathing!