You’ve probably heard of shinrin yoku or forest bathing, right? It’s a Japanese method of connecting with nature and achieving deep and effective relaxation. Today we would like to take a closer look at it – how it is done, what the benefits are, and where you can try it on vacation under professional guidance.

What is forest bathing?

Experienced trainer Lara defines forest bathing in the interview as follows:

“Shinrin Yoku (…) is Japanese and means “immersion in the forest air”. It is a mindfulness-enhancing, stress-reducing, light relaxation method that grounds us and playfully connects us with our senses. Seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling (…) (It brings) our mind into the here and now.”

Forest bathing is not a recognized form of therapy, at least in Germany (it is in Japan, by the way!). There are only a few small studies (mainly from Japan) that have found indicators of measurable health benefits through blood tests (e.g. one group of test subjects goes into the forest and the other into the city).

But even if the health effects have not (yet) been scientifically proven, you will feel a number of positive effects.

Because forest bathing …

1. reduces stress
2. strengthens the immune system
3. lifts the mood
4. improves sleep
5. increases alertness
6. stimulates creativity

How does forest bathing work? – Instructions in 6 steps

Even though we recommend guided forest bathing to start with, you can also try out Shinrin Yoku yourself. Here we have summarized instructions from the Oryoki Japan blog and the blog Forestry England:

Preparation:

1. Pick a forest.
2. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. (You can also take off your shoes for barefoot forest bathing at any time).
3. Bring as little as possible: It’s best to leave your cell phone & co. at home or at least switched off in your bag.
4. Anything goes, nothing has to: Approach forest bathing with open expectations and be open to what you experience, or perhaps don’t experience. Everyone is different and every forest bathing experience is different.
5. You should allow 20 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours for the duration.

Execution:

1. Find a quiet, undisturbed corner when you arrive in the forest
2. Concentrate on your senses: look closely, notice details, smell, feel (e.g. bark, leaves), listen – without judgment. Just notice.
3. Find your pace: Forest bathing is not a walk, but rather lingering and exploring at a mindful pace. Stop or sit whenever you want.
4. Breathe in deeply through your nose into your stomach and out through your mouth for about twice as long.
5. Keep your eyes open
6. Drive away thoughts of everyday life by concentrating on the moment. Don’t force anything and don’t try to force the thoughts away. You will get better at this over time.

Forest bathing on vacation: A good introduction to Shinrin Yoku

If these instructions seem very complicated at the moment and you can’t imagine doing it yourself, you should still give it a chance! Take advantage of courses in your area, or even better, at your vacation destination! Your already relaxed vacation mood will make it much easier for you to get involved in forest bathing.

Forest bathing in Bavaria at the Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa

The health-oriented Hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa is located in the beautiful Berchtesgadener Land region. People here are convinced of the benefits of forest bathing. You can experience this, for example, on a guided forest hike to the “Herzstein” power site in Bayerisch Gmain. “We invite our guests to immerse themselves in the forest atmosphere and find lasting relaxation,” the operators write. You can complement your experience with a singing bowl massage in the hotel’s wellness area.

👉You can find more information on this at Mental Detox at the Klosterhof

Gentle tourism and forest encounters in Bad Herrenalb

The northern Black Forest is ideal for forest bathing. In the surroundings of Bad Herrenalb you can discover yourself in the mystical forests, learn a lot about the importance of the forests, and stay in the present – which is more difficult than expected. The eco-hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA offers tours with a qualified instructor.

👉 More information at: Black Forest Bathing in the Selfness Center of the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

If you don’t want to wait for a forest bath to learn more about the importance of forests, then the blog article “Our Forest – Unique, Relaxing, Endangered” is just what you need!

Holistic relaxation in the Allgäu

Long before the term forest bathing became popular, the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu in the small village of Balderschwang offered mindful walks in the forests and nature of the Allgäu. During mindfulness days and yoga retreats, guests are instructed accordingly. Today, they are proud of the scientific validation of their lifelong practice. Here this unique experience in the forest is the perfect complement to many other health and wellness applications originating from around the world that provide deep relaxation and holistically address the body, mind, and spirit.

👉 More information at: Forest bathing in the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio

Shinrin Yoku at the My Arbor tree hotel in South Tyrol

If you love the outdoors, My Arbor invites you to immerse yourself in the forest that surrounds the hotel. Arbor is the Latin word for tree, and the forest is the source of inspiration for this wellness hotel. Located about 15 minutes by car from Bressanone/Brixen, it is built on 34 meter high stilts directly in the forest. From your window, you can look out over the treetops. A special feature of the hotel is the Signature Spa Treatments, where you are assigned to a specific tree species after a medical history and treated accordingly.

👉Guided forest bathing can be found regularly in the hotel’s weekly program.

Have you personally had any experience? We look forward to your comment!

This is an update from July 23, 2019

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