TIME with the TREES

Escape lockdown and experience the art of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing, to soothe the soul and reset the mind

- Natalie French

‘Shinrin’ in Japanese means ‘forest’, and yoku means ‘bath’ – so ‘shinrin-yoku’ means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses,” explains Dr Qing Li, President of the Japanese Society of Forest Medicine.

“This is not exercise, hiking or jogging – it is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our sense of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Shinrin-Yoku bridges the gap between us and the natural world.”

Having studied forest medicine since 2003, Dr Li explains how forest bathing has become a vital part of preventative healthcare in Japan – prescribed to improve sleep quality, ability to focus and mood – which in turn, aids both physical and mental health by reducing the effects of stress on your body.

“Immersed in the natural world, we can experience the miracle of life and connect to something larger than ourselves. Nature takes our breath away and breathes new life into us”.

On a more local level, Sonya Dibbin is a Forest Therapy and Earthwalking Guide who lives in Winchester with her son. She set up ‘Adore Your Outdoors’ (adoreyouroutdoors.co.uk) in 2019 following a successful 25 years in IT Management.

“I wanted to spend more time outside in nature to connect with my creative side, and I felt a strong desire to help others with their emotional wellbeing. I have been interested in mental health for over a decade; I qualified in level 4 Therapeutic Counselling in 2011, and more recently in Children and Young People’s Mental Health.