Forest bathing

WHAT IS FOREST BATHING?
In Japan, forest bathing is considered medicine for body, mind and soul and is seen as part of a healthy lifestyle. "ShinrinYoku", breathing in the forest, has long been an officially recognized method of strengthening health there. The term means immersing yourself with all your senses in the silence and pristine nature of the forest. "A forest bath lasts around two to three hours. We use various techniques and exercises to connect with nature and reduce stress," explains forest bathing expert Dorothea Nachbaur.

Unlike hiking, the aim is not to cover many kilometers or meters in altitude, but to slowly and consciously perceive nature. Research shows that we miss up to 70 percent of what is around us because we are not attentive enough. Forest bathing helps us to experience the moment again through conscious breathing and sensing. "For example, we sit down by a tree and concentrate only on our breathing and our surroundings. Through this mindfulness exercise, we can learn to relax and arrive in the here and now," says Nachbaur, describing one of the methods.

Those who consciously experience the forest can draw a lot of energy from it. "Instead of cars or construction noise, we listen to the birdsong and the sound of the stream. We can rediscover what we no longer hear, smell or taste in everyday life through slowness and silence," explains the Vorarlberg native. The important thing is
that you work with all your senses. To hear the sound of nature, feel the clear air, smell the scent of the forest, see the colors in all their diversity and taste the herbs of nature.

WHAT DOES FOREST BATHING DO?
The forest as meditation, therapy or modern medicine can have amazing effects on health. Scientific studies show that forest bathing can influence stress, blood pressure and moods in particular. Spending time in the forest has a healing effect on body, mind and soul. According to Asian researchers, the forest is a sedative for our brain, which can sometimes have antidepressant effects. Breathing in the messenger substances (terpenes) that the trees secrete to communicate with each other has a positive effect on our nervous, immune and hormonal systems. Our mood brightens, our heart rate slows down, we sleep better and are generally more relaxed and focused. Nachbaur also believes that we are increasingly suffering from time pressure and stress in today's world. Our body and mind therefore need more relaxation breaks in order to regain balance. "Very top-heavy people will find it a little more difficult to get involved in forest bathing at first. But what may sound a little bizarre to some will also bring about positive changes for them," says the course leader, who offers guided forest walks in Damüls from June to October.

WHY FOREST BATHING?
The forest is a pure symbol of nature that magically attracts many people. Forest bathing is also becoming increasingly popular here. For Nachbaur, the reason for this has to do with our busy lifestyles. "Over 50 percent of the world's population lives in cities. The average adult in the western world spends almost 90 percent of their life indoors and over eight hours a day in front of a screen. The way we structure our lives today, we have hardly any interaction with nature. This is precisely why more and more people feel a strong desire to reconnect with it," says the expert.

There are therefore no fixed rules for forest bathing. There is deliberately no goal, no distance and no performance. The important thing is to pause, to feel the forest and yourself. "It doesn't take much for a soothing forest bath - appropriate hiking clothing, sturdy shoes, a water bottle and, of course, some time," says the forest guide. Anyone can take advantage of forest bathing and the healing power of the forest. Nachbaur is convinced: "Even a simple walk in the forest is enough to do something good for yourself. Just close your eyes and recharge your batteries with an alert mind. Anyone who goes into the forest feels it instinctively: the forest is simply good for you!"