森林浴 Forest Bathing

Forest bathing originated in Japan and it’s simply a mindful and purposeful immersion of oneself in nature. By immersion, it means that one has to engage and connect with nature through their all five senses. By doing so, it will trigger our body to react to nature and thus improve our immune system and reduce stress and tension. The key to this amazing experience is a chemical released by plants called Phytoncides. This is an anti-bierobial essential that, when inhaled, naturally boost hormone function. Phytoncide is also the key element when most people will fell relax and pleasure when in the midst of nature and forest. A single session of approximately 3 to 4 hours can elevate protium cell activity for up to 30 days.

Exposure to nature also helps to reduce stress and tension. Basically the exposure to greenery will help us to be relaxed and helps to release the tension we received from our works and also primarily urban living. In other words, getting out of our urban environment will help us to manage stress and pressure better.

The challenge for us who live in urban city is the access to nature. So how can we actually achieve this when most of the time we are exposed to a concrete forest rather than greenery? One way we can achieve this is through urban green spaces. Urban parks and botanical gardens offer effective results from digital distractions. If we can all hit a park or an urban green area for a 2 hours per week, our health will greatly be improved too. We can also bring nature into our room by having houseplants and listening to nature recording to engage our sense of hearing.

Forest bathing is more than just another activity. It is paradigm shift in mindset and lifestyle as well. It is about slowing down and start noticing things around us with our five senses.

Ronneth Hock

28/2/26