Shinrin-yoku: forest bathing

New wellness wisdom

Nature invites you to connect with its healing power. Shinrin-yoku comes from Japan and it means "forest bathing". Practicing the art of forest bathing is an increasingly popular way to get out of the house and reconnect with nature. It's a form of ecotherapy that is fun, free and extremely rewarding.

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Recipe for health and happiness

According to the Japanese, Shinrin-yoku is the key to health and happiness. The idea is to slow down and consciously open up your senses by immersing yourself in nature. We spend less and less time outdoors, although research shows that spending time in nature reduces our stress levels and increase our energy and creativity. And with that creativity Natascha Boudewijn has made a beautiful book about this 'practise'.

The little Shinrin-yoku book

At the end of August 2018, the founder of the first Shinrin-yoku Academy in the Netherlands published 'The little Shinrin-yoku book - how the power of nature changes your life'. It's a practical manual to the art of Shinrin-yoku with around 30 inspiring exercises to get yourself started in the forest. The book is small, so you can easily take it with you, as you venture out into the forest.

BUILD AN OASIS INSIDE TOO

A forest isn't always around the corner, so a great first step is to see how you can slow down at home and turn your home into a green oasis. Read how to do that here.

more inspiration

Be inspired by our green style guide and discover how you can make every room in the house greener, and see all of our plant-based inspiration hereShare your own green inspiration with us via Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #thejoyofplants.