Can the Japanese Practice of Forest Bathing Improve Your Mental Health? Insights from the Best Psychological Counselor in Kolkata

Learn how Japanese forest bathing is good for one’s mental health. Best Psychological Counselor in Kolkata shares insights at Minds Eye on how nature can assuage stress and anxiety.

With the world racing forward at such a tremendous speed, what seems to rule this very world is anxiety, depression, and stress, and this is the reason that these issues have become so common. Meanwhile, technology puts us in never-ending connectivity, and most of us are having a hard time detaching and finding time for themselves. Amidst such growing concern, a Japanese practice called “forest bathing” has gained attention on the global level with the belief of improving psychological health. But how does it work? Are the claims about forest bathing really true? Let’s find out, and take a peek from experts to the best psychological counselor in Kolkata about the topic.

What is Forest Bathing?

Known as “Shinrin-yoku” in Japanese, forest bathing is getting immersed in the atmosphere of the forest. It’s not really about exercise or hiking, but just to be out in nature, soaking in all its sights, sounds, and smells. The practice, which was first found out and was established in Japan during the 1980s, is meant to invite people to immerse their senses into a forest by walking slowly.

Different studies have shown that forest bathing may indeed prove beneficial in diminishing stress and anxiety and generally improving well-being. Essentially, the whole idea behind this practice is to allow nature to heal and revitalize the mind, thus letting the body relax and recharge. But is such practice really helpful in bringing about some lasting change in mental wellness?

The Science Behind Forest Bathing

Scientific studies suggest that there is some concrete truth to the measurable advantage of forest bathing regarding mental and even physical well-being. Some of the key points include:

• It reduces cortisol levels. This is a stress hormone, and any amount of time spent in a forest environment has been proven to reduce such levels.
• It enhances immune power. Several pieces of research have found that levels of antimicrobial phytoncides, which are substances released by trees, can enhance the immune system.
• Reduced heart and blood pressure: The soothing environment of the forest is the reason why the body calms down, hence bringing down heart rates as well as lowering blood pressure.
• Mood is improved, and anxiety is reduced: The bodily experience of the presence of nature reduces feelings of anxiety and improves their moods.

These benefits are particularly helpful for people who have mental health issues, and psychology counselors are increasingly discovering the value of incorporating nature-based therapies such as forest bathing into treatment plans.

How Forest Bathing Can Help Improve Your Mental Health

1. Stress Reduction
   A forest is a place of serenity through which one can forget the sounds and stimuli of current life. Removing oneself from technology and getting into nature revitalizes the mind so that there can be elimination of its pressure levels.
2. More Concentration and Clarity
   For example, forest environments create a sense of tranquility and thus calm the mind. For people with mental clutter or an overdose of thought, forest bathing can offer clear and focused minds, aid in decision-making, and enhance cognitive function.
3. Improved Mood
   Numerous research studies proven to link exposure with an increase in moods, decrease of depressive symptoms, and positive happiness feelings. Forest bathing allows one to find a reflective space and assist in the processing of some emotions for some when surrounded by an environment free of stressful encounters.
4. Connected to Nature
   The connection developed with nature through the process of forest bathing cultivates an intimate relationship between humans and nature, hence making individuals more aware and grounded in perspective concerning life. This will bring people peace, and subsequently anxiety and depression reduce.
5. Boosting Confidence
   The most significant impact of spending time in nature is the improvement of a person’s self-esteem and reduction of lonely feelings. Forest bathing makes a person relax and enjoy being around his surroundings; that way, he would feel fulfilled as to how he is meeting the world.

What say the psychological counselors?

The Best Psychological Counselor in Kolkata feels strongly about the holistic approaches in mental health care. Wherein, although traditional therapy methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or talk therapy prove pivotal, having nature-based therapies such as forest bathing can be an added asset.

It is especially helpful to those who cannot open themselves up in regular settings of therapy. It might make the person feel relaxed being in nature, thus processing a more comfortable way to feel out their emotions and thoughts.

Read here for more:- Can Practicing Gratitude Improve Your Mental Health and Fight Depression?

How to Practice Forest Bathing?

How to start forest bathing? Here’s a guide for you:

1. Choose a forest or park: It does not necessarily have to be a very dense forest; any natural space with trees will do. A quiet park is also a good location.
2. Switch off your phone: Cut the cord with all of your technology. The aim is to live in the moment fully.
3. Walk slowly: There is no need to rush. Walk at a slow pace and let all your senses involve themselves.
4. Observe your environment: Pay attention to the colors, sounds, and smells surrounding you. Let nature engage your senses.
5. Take deep breaths in: Focus on your breathing. Take deep, slow breaths to relax both body and mind.
6. Sit and think: After returning from your walk, go find a spot to sit down, and just observe. Think of what you are thinking, or just be present in the moment.

How forest bathing complements traditional therapy

Forest bathing is a complementary practice that is not to be replaced by traditional therapy. Patients who are counseled by the Best Psychological Counselor in Kolkata can gather their treatment through a combined forest bathing session. A serene environment around them may help give their thoughts and feelings a broad outlook, which will have an interpretation in the counseling sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can anyone undergo forest bathing?
   Yes, forest bathing is all ages and ability friendly; it is as simple as walking attentively in nature.
   
2. How often should I practice forest bathing?
   You don’t need to strictly follow a guided practice, but most people have determined that once a week is great for mental health improvement. Also, you can actually reap many benefits from short, daily walks in nature.
   
3. Do I need a specific forest for forest bathing?
   While it’s perfect to find a quiet, natural space, any park or green area with trees will do the job. So, the whole idea is to soak up the environment in nature.
   
4. Can forest bathing substitute for conventional therapy?
   No, the practice needs to be supplemented with the traditional therapy. This activity can only enhance the chances of therapy, but this cannot replace professional mental health care.
   
5. Is forest bathing scientifically recognized?
   Of course, there are several studies that show that forest bathing reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and has an improved mood while it boosts the immune system.

Conclusion: Forest Bathing and Mental Health

Forest bathing is extremely simple yet very powerful for mental health. Immersion in nature will decrease stress levels, brighten moods, and clarify the mind. This would be far from replacing traditional therapy, but it can surely prove an excellent complement to psychological counseling.

If you are interested in exploring how nature-based therapies like forest bathing can help in improving your mental well-being, then the best thing could be consulting the Best Psychological Counselor in Kolkata on your journey toward mental health. We, at Minds Eye, believe in adopting holistic methods, traditional yet innovative, to support our clients.