Benefits of Forest Bathing: How Microdosing on Nature Can Help With Stress (Essay Sample)

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Benefits of Forest Bathing
Individuals in the world today have become overly involved in their busy lives that they have forgotten how to simply relax and unwind. There are many ambitious people who are focused on leading successful lives which lead to take up extreme measures such as taking extra shifts at work and operating side hustles that would generate more income necessary for a luxurious lifestyle. Technological developments have also furthered the exasperations most individuals face with the digital world competing with their already busy work schedules. Digital devices including mobile phones and computers have contributed to the internet explosion. Vices such as internet addiction where individuals are constantly on their devices have cropped up affecting many people. These unhealthy lifestyles have proven to be detrimental. Hence, there have been various campaigns championing for better living across almost all states in the US and worldwide. One such effort is forest bathing which advocates for the embracement of health benefits that come with being outdoors. Studies have indicated that walking through nature once in a while helps relieve stress and has multiple health benefits. Therefore, the essay seeks to examine how the inclusion of nature, even if in small doses, can greatly affect one’s health and lifestyle in an increasingly digitized world.
Rahawa in the article mentions forest bathing as “a research based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in the forests and other natural environments” (Haile n.p). From the definition it’s noted that the most important aspect about forest bathing is finding solace in the beauty of the outdoors and more specifically in the natural environment which include forests, deserts and oceans among others. The main idea behind forest bathing therefore is to help individuals forget about the hustles and bustles of their daily lives and on the contrary connect and appreciate the nature and the things and people around them. Rahawa shares her expectation of the walk through the forest she had and states “The aim was to briefly reconnect people with nature in the simplest way possible. Go to the woods, breathe deeply, and be at peace” (Haile n.p). Forest bathing has been medically sanctioned in Japan for many years and the practice is quickly gaining traction in many regions across the US because of its mental health benefits. The practice has in addition been proven to reduce stress hormones and lower blood pressure and glucose levels.
Research has shown that observing nature and the environment has a healing effect. Mere pictures, photographs and paintings of a forest or ocean have been identified to help reduce anxiety and pain and lower blood pressure. Virtual environment therapy is currently being used at the correctional institution in Oregon where officers have noted different temperaments in prisoners that exercise in rooms with videos showing nature and those that exercise in plain rooms. Further developments have been witnessed that incorporate nature-themed environments in video games to help tap into the individuals undergoing internet addictions. Hospitals have also begun painting their walls with natural themes to help the patients who are otherwise unable to walk or recovering from surgical operations. Rahawa notes in the article “Video games might lead to forest bathing, and forest bathing might lead to hiking, swimming or yoga. All these are a means to an end, and that end is better health” (Haile n.p).
Forest bathing plays a significant part in reminding indivuals that there are more important things in the world other than achieving their aspirations. It accords individuals the chance to celebrate and appreciate nature which is free as opposed to what most desire that require finances and hard work. It provides an opportunity to escape from the pressures of the modern world and the influences of digitization. It also affords one the opportunity to be by themselves and in their own thoughts which greatly helps reduce the stress levels. Gretchen in the article notes “People who spend time outside in sunny, natural and green spaces tend to be happier and healthier than those who don’t” (Reynolds n.p). Various research efforts to analyze ...