In today’s world, stress has become a part of everyday life. When a person becomes stressed, it takes a toll on your body and mind and can lead to other health issues, such as depression, anxiety, as well as other physical symptoms. One answer to relieving stress is getting out in nature and absorbing a forest atmosphere, or nature bathing.
What is Nature Bathing?
Nature bathing is not the actual act of taking a bath. Nature bathing is a practice that encourages you to spend time in nature. The event should be low impact which means you do not want to engage in an intense hike or trail run. Your goal for nature bathing is to live in the present and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature surrounding you.
Health Benefits of Nature Bathing
A study conducted by the International Journal of Environmental Health Research supports why large cities around the world include pockets of nature within their busy streets. These areas are beneficial to people’s health and have been shown to create a positive impact on people’s sense of well-being. A more in-depth practice of nature bathing, outside of enjoying city parks, has proven to lower your heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of hormones that are harmful to your body, such as cortisol that is produced when you are feeling stressed. Nature bathing will help put you into a more relaxed and calm state.
How to do Nature Bathing
You do not have to look extensively for a wooded area to partake in a nature bath. You can go to a local park, the beach, a favorite walking trail, or any natural setting in your area. One rule you should follow during nature bathing is to turn off your phone and any other devices so you are totally focused and enjoying the moment.
When you arrive at your special nature setting, you should take a few deep breaths and focus on what your senses are experiencing. Focusing on the senses includes smelling the nearby scents, whether it be the fresh wood smell, the scent of fresh ocean air, or anything else you can smell or hear. Listen for the sound of chirping birds or other wildlife, the rolling in of waves, and all other sounds connected to the environment you are in.
Take a few moments and look around. Watch the waves roll in or the trees sway in the breeze, and then simply walk around. You do not have to set a specific destination, what is important is letting your mind and senses explore the area and indulge in the peacefulness surrounding you.
Make sure you get a feel for your surroundings and stay on marked trails. When heading out on your nature bathing, you want to wear the appropriate footwear and other clothing. Remember to bring along sun protection, and always tell someone where you are heading and when you expect to return.
A good time for a nature bath is twenty minutes a day. If you are short on time, you can reduce the twenty minutes, but remember the goal for your nature bath is to relax and detach from your everyday worries. A nature bath should feel like a chore, it should always be enjoyed.
Another Energetic Practice for Well-Being
The NIKKI bioenergetic wearable provides benefits to the cellular level of the body helping your cells strengthen and recover from daily stressors or other issues. Its cornerstone frequency program called Night-Time allows you to wake in the morning relieved of stress and anxiety and feeling less pain and more energy.
Preview NIKKI frequency programs at: wearenikki.com/frequencies to learn more about the benefits of this life-changing wearable.
