Forest Bathing

Making Nature Part of your Wellness Practice

Fossli Provincial Park | Source: Rebecca Bollwitt on Flickr

Ringing in a new year often includes taking some time to reflect on our lifestyles, and add some healthy changes. Living in the Alberni Valley, we can attest that one easy, effective, and very enjoyable healthy habit is spending time in nature. Regardless of the season or the reason, we believe outdoor activities is always time well spent, with multiple health benefits. And the beautiful Alberni Valley offers an endless list of ways to do so. We invite you try forest bathing, another way to enjoy the amazing nature all around us!

What is Forest Bathing?

Originating in Japan (known as Shinrin-yoku) in the 1980’s, forest bathing or forest therapy is the concept of using the restorative effects of nature to reduce the stresses we feel from our everyday lives. There is documented scientific research on the health benefits, as well as guides on how to get started with forest bathing. Not to be confused with hiking, forest bathing is slower paced and encourages a more focus on the details of the journey.

To get started it’s as simple as just finding a nearby forest, we have listed a few easy access favourites below. Once in the forest, and fully surrounded by nature, adjust your mindset and take your time. Engage with all of your senses. The visual elements of the forest may be the obvious place to start, study the mix of light and shadow, layers of colour, fine details and patterns. Listen for birds and animals, water, wind. Touch different textures, feel the wind and the sun, water in the stream. You can also discover many distinct scents as you explore the forest.

photo: Jaiden George, Zenseekers

Pay attention to all of the sensations that appear and how you’re connecting to the natural world. This process of returning to nature can bring you to a heightened state of sensory awareness and a sense of tranquility. Within minutes of entering a green space, your body relaxes, blood pressure stabilizes, stress and  muscle tension decreases, and the health benefits kick in.

Benefits of Forest Bathing

• Promotes Wellbeing
• Reduces Stress
• Boosts Immune System
• Increases Creativity

For a more detailed explanation check out the video from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy.

Ready to try Forest Bathing?

Get started on one of these trails.

Burde Pond Loop
Location: Trail Access on Burde St. (map)
Difficulty: Easy | 1hr | 2km
More Info: Trailpeak

Fossli Provincial Park Trail
Location: Trail Access on Stirling Arm Rd.  (map)
Difficulty: Easy | 1hr | 5km
More Info: Trailpeak

MacMillan Provincial Park (Cathedral Grove)
Location: Trail Access  (map)
Difficulty: Easy | 2hr | 2km
More Info: Trailpeak

We hope you will give it a try and let us know what you think by sharing your experiences and tagging us on Facebook @albernivalleytourism or Instagram #exploreportalberni