Need an instant mood boost? Try the Japanese art of ‘Shinrin Yoku’
Here’s a thought.
By 2050, it is estimated that two-thirds of the world's population will be living in cities.
Whilst some might view this as progress, it also contributes to many mental health issues.
So what can be done about it?
Our friends from the land of sushi, odd-flavoured Kit-Kats and tiny trees that look like big trees have a simple solution: ‘Shinrin-Yoku’, which literally translates as ‘tree bathing', describes the action (perhaps somewhat unsurprisingly) of being amongst trees.
The Japanese were so enamoured with the belief that forest bathing had positive health effects that they commissioned an expensive study to prove it.
The result of this study concluded: ‘The Japanese practice of forest bathing is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production, boost the immune system, and improve overall feelings of wellbeing.’
This ability of nature to ‘heal’ us is a well-studied phenomenon.
A US hospital study in the early 1980s compared patients' recovery rates from gallbladder operations (considered a simple form of surgery).
The findings?
Those who had been placed in rooms with tree views recovered faster than those who looked out onto brick walls.
So what’s going on here, then?
Two things.
Firstly, according to the Japanese study, trees release natural oils called phytoncide, which they use to protect themselves from insects and germs. Inhaling these have a correspondingly positive effect on our immune system.
Secondly, urban environments force us to be in an ‘alert’ state most of the time. Think of the times you've avoided fellow pedestrians, maniac bicycle dispatch riders and those drivers that seem to think that stopping for red lights is entirely optional.
By contrast, just 'being' in nature allows us to calm our senses, which means fewer stress hormones are released into our body, making us feel less stressed.
So there you have it. If you are one of the growing numbers of people heading to live in the city, don’t forget to take some time out at the weekend to bathe in some trees.
Want to learn more interesting stuff about happiness and wellbeing? Check out our earlier posts: ‘Five happiness hacks’, ‘Five more happiness hacks’, ‘Happiness and social media’ .
Better still, enrol in ‘The Happy Course’ from the incredible Happiness Research Institute.
