Welp, I’m sure everything you’ve read lately has had something to do with coronavirus.
And here I am bringing it up again.
But I don’t feel right just starting a post right now without acknowledging it, since it’s consuming our lives right now. I can’t just ignore it.
And this widespread disturbance is more reason than ever to advocate the benefits of nature when it’s so good for everyone’s wellbeing right now!
So, that’s what I’m doing here. Because this platform is dedicated to being a source of forest bathing inspiration.
What better time than now?
So, let’s talk about one of the biggest benefits of forest bathing that can actually help your fight against coronavirus (well, not as much as social distancing and proper handwashing technique, but you get it…)
It’s freaking amazing for your immune system!
Immune Benefits of Forest Bathing
One of the most relevant benefits of forest bathing is its immune-boosting properties.
Study after study shows a boost in immune cells after visiting the woods.
I don’t know about you, but I’m doing everything I can to galvanize my immune system against sickness. And getting outside when I can is one of them.
I’ve also stocked up on my favorite herbal antiviral and am taking other vitamins and eating vitamin-C rich foods every day.
Although we all feel like we’re just sitting here waiting for the virus to either happen or pass, we can still take measure to protect ourselves.
Forest bathing does your immune system a nice favor.
It’s also helpful for reducing the anxieties you may feel around this pandemic.
Safe Practices for Social Distancing
Okay, so social distancing seems to be proving most effective in this pandemic. No doubt.
But, social distancing doesn’t mean you have to isolate yourself inside your house. Unless you live in a location where you’re actually not supposed to leave your house.
I don’t know about you, but that sounds rather…claustrophobic and lonely.
Yes, we have to stay 6 feet away from other people, but no one said we can’t go outside.
Nature is a safe place to counteract the stir-crazies when you’re shut in.
My family and I have found quite the relief in spending as much time outside as we can, when weather allows.
Even if it means sitting on your front stoop or propping your back on a tree in your yard, forest bathing provides welcome relief from all these days in isolation.
Educational Opportunities in the Forest
If you live in the US, your kids are likely at home, doing remote learning right now.
We’re all realizing why we didn’t become teachers in the first place. (Except the actual teachers, God bless you!)
But we have to. Our kids education is in our hands right now.
And forest bathing provides a wonderful educational opportunity for your kids.
You can homeschool your kids with nature science, physical fitness, and so much more outdoors.
Here are a some ways to turn the outdoors into an educational opportunity:
- Art:
- Create mandalas
- Decorate a walking stick
- Weave with bits of nature
- Create bark or leaf rubbings
- Sketch trees
- Gym:
- Create an outdoor obstacle course
- Take walks or hikes
- Climb trees
- Do some stretches with a tree
- Science:
- Grab some nature bits and look at them under a microscope
- Start your garden from seed
- Learn about the phases of a tree, and go check out all the new buds
- Study tree rings
- Start a nature journal
- Math
- Create a scavenger hunt with multiple items (5 acorns, 16 pine needles, etc)
- Use bits of nature to practice counting
- Music
- Grab a bunch of recyclables and pans and start an outdoor band (or create this sweet drum set)
- Tap out the rhythms of bird calls
- Grab a speaker and dance outside
- Reading/literacy
- Do your daily reading time outside, under a tree
View this post on Instagram
Priority Re-evaluation
Right now, while we’re surrounded by our families and the pace of the world has slowed down, we’ve all been given an opportunity to reevaluate what’s most important to us.
Obviously our senses of stability have been shaken to the core (with lost jobs, economical crisis, supply shortages, and whatnot), but we’ve also come face-to-face with what matters most: our health, our families, our contributions, and our inextricable connections to the world at large.
How clearly we can all see how much we rely upon one another.
It’s important to stop and reflect on these things.
Now more than ever, I can feel the importance of honoring and protecting nature and reducing waste, among so many other things.
And now, more than ever, do we have the time and space available to do all those things we’ve been meaning to do.
Like re-painting and decluttering every room in your house…
…finger painting with the kids,
…and forest bathing.
I don’t mean to downplay the seriousness of this crisis, but we can choose to spend our time in responsible, life-enhancing ways rather than in fear.
And forest bathing happens to be one of the ways that helps me feel grounded, safe, and interconnected. It really does improve my life, even in the darkest times.
If you’re interested in shinrin-yoku but you haven’t tried it yet, I encourage you to at least try your first exercise. See what it’s all about.
Forest bathing during pandemic is one of the most healthy, productive things you can do right now.
Have you seen that post on Facebook about all the amazing ways nature has been regenerating itself as humans pull back for a little while?
- Air pollution and smog levels have gone way down
- The canals of Venice are crystal clear, with swans
- Dolphins are moving closer to shore
Nature knows what to do.
There’s still beauty out there to be had! Go, take your kids on a walk through the forest today.
I’m sincerely wishing you all health, vitality, and wellbeing as we navigate this uncharted territory together.
From my roots to yours,
~Jess