Japan’s innovation and wildly unique
pop culture have long piqued the interest of adventurers the world over. The
“Land of the Rising Sun,” has introduced everything from leading-edge
technology to pioneering the way businesses get the most from their employees.
And let’s not forget those glutinous little powdered rice cakes known as mochi.
Ah, mochi.
But Japan has also long been admired for its dedication to pondering the mysteries of life and how we can live more harmoniously, and ultimately healthier lives in a progressively more uncertain world.
“Shinrin-yoku” is a Japanese term that loosely translates to “taking in the forest atmosphere,” or “forest bathing.”
It turns out Japanese and South Korean researchers have compiled an impressive little batch of evidence backing up the health benefits of unwinding in the woods.
In fact, this type of “forest therapy” has been a cornerstone of Japanese health care and healing since the 1980s.
Here are just a few of the science-backed benefits of opting for nature rather than a touchscreen:
Reduced blood pressure
Increase in energy levels
Deeper sleep
Improved mood
Quicker recovery from illness
Heightened focus
Clearer intuition
The next time you’re planning your week, find a little time to lean into the connective power of nature.
An afternoon in the woods might be just what you need to see the forest for the trees.
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