This shop grew out of a discovery after a week walking in lush green forests.
I felt healed mentally and physically after mindful walks in the woods.
It turns out Japan has researched and promoted Forest Bathing since the 1980s. Their research proved that spending among green trees reduces stress and anxiety and other health issues too.
Promoting awareness of Forest Bathing is my passion. I made this shop to encourage awareness of the health benefits of mindful walks in green places.
Orlando is home to many beautiful and serene parks. From lush green forests to scenic lakes and playgrounds, parks offer something for everyone. Beyond space for exercise and recreation, these green spaces have have significant benefits for mental and physical well-being. Read on for tips to make the most of park visits.
Parks offer space for walking among trees which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. In addition to physical health benefits, tree-filled parks can have a positive impact on your mental health.
Research has found that spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The green environment of parks provides a sense of tranquility that helps alleviate symptoms of stress-induced mental health conditions.
Walking in green tree-filled places like parks can also improve cognitive function, like memory and attention span. This can also enhance your creativity and problem-solving skills. You can see that walking in parks can have significant benefits for your overall well-being.
Forest bathing practice involves taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest environment and allowing oneself to be fully present in the moment.
Since Orlando is home to several parks and natural areas that are perfect for forest bathing you can find green and tree-filled places to visit close to many neighborhoods . Some of the best Orlando parks for this practice include Wekiwa Springs State Park, Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, and Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve. These parks offer a variety of forest environments, including oak hammocks, pine forests, and cypress swamps, providing you with the chance to have a range of different forest bathing or other experiences.
Tips for Making the Most of Park Visits
To fully experience the benefits of parks and forest bathing, it’s important to approach your visits with intention. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your park visits:
Go with a purpose: Set an intention for your visit. Do you want to go for a walk, do some forest bathing or yoga, or simply relax in nature? Having a purpose will help you make the most of your time in the park.
Disconnect from technology: To fully immerse yourself in the natural environment, disconnect from technology. Resist the urge to check your phone for social media or emails while in the park.
Engage your senses: Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the park. Notice the breeze and rustling leaves, the birdsong, and the fragrant air.
Practice mindfulness: Be fully present in the moment and focus on your breath. Allow yourself to let go of any worries or stress and simply be in the moment.
Visiting nearby parks and forest bathing are excellent ways to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. By taking advantage of the many parks in Orlando, you can access numerous benefits. So go ahead, take a walk in the park, immerse yourself in nature, and reap the rewards of better health and well-being.
“A walk in the woods gazing at trees, flowers and, if you’re lucky, wildlife, can leave you feeling restored and rejuvenated. Although we inherently feel that spending time in nature is good for us, we may not realize just how good it can be for our health. Forests not only play a major role in cleaning our air and water, but also provide beneficial changes to the minds and bodies of those who spend time among the trees.
Exposure to forests strengthens our immune system, reduces blood pressure, increases energy, boosts our mood and helps us regain and maintain our focus in ways that treeless environments just don’t.”
Save Lands is a producer of clothing and accessories. Their partner is trees.org. This partnership means for each item sold 12 trees are planted! I love that Save Lands helps reforest the planet. So, I signed up to be an ambassador. Unless you forest bathe naked, click the link below to shop. Disclosure: I earn a small commission when you buy using my referral link.
Japanese researchers credit many health benefits to Forest Bathing which they call Shinrin Yoku. Forest Bathing can be as simple as a relaxed walk in a park or forest. Enjoy this video from Jagat Bisht to find out about the health benefits of Forest Bathing. https://tinyurl.com/How-Trees-Can-Help-You
Title: “HOW TREES CAN HELP YOU FIND HEALTH AND HAPPINESS”
Understanding Forest Bathing: The Art of Shinrin-Yoku
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, is a Japanese practice that encourages people to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. It is not just about being in nature, but experiencing it fully, allowing it to nourish the body and mind.
This practice involves slowing down, taking deep breaths, and engaging with nature through all the senses. By doing so, you can cultivate a deeper connection with the natural world, which can lead to enhanced mental clarity and emotional well-being.
The Benefits of Immersing Yourself in Nature Research has shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. The calming effect of natural environments can also enhance creativity and boost overall mental health.
Additionally, forest bathing has been linked to improved immune function and increased energy levels. By regularly engaging in this practice, individuals may find themselves feeling more balanced and centered in their daily lives.
Central Florida’s Best Forest Bathing Locations Central Florida is home to an array of beautiful forests and natural parks perfect for forest bathing. Notable locations include the Ocala National Forest, where you can wander among towering pines and serene lakes, and the Little Big Econ State Forest, known for its lush trails and diverse wildlife.
These locations not only provide a tranquil setting for forest bathing but also offer opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the rich biodiversity that Central Florida has to offer.
Tips for Your Forest Bathing Experience To make the most of your forest bathing experience, consider going during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and wildlife is more active. Dress comfortably, and don’t forget to bring water and a journal to document your thoughts and feelings.
Also, leave behind distractions such as smartphones and headphones. Instead, focus on the sounds of the forest, the rustle of leaves, and the chirping of birds to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Connecting Mind and Nature: Mindfulness in the Woods Mindfulness in the woods involves being present and fully engaged with your surroundings. This can be achieved by practicing simple techniques such as mindful walking, where each step is taken with intention and awareness of the earth beneath your feet.
Engaging in mindfulness during forest bathing allows you to notice the details around you—the colors of the leaves, the patterns of bark, and the scent of damp earth. This heightened awareness can lead to a greater appreciation of nature and a deeper connection to your own sense of self.
Are you looking for a way to create a peaceful space in your backyard? Consider making a zen garden! Zen gardens are also known as Japanese rock gardens or karesansui. These minimalist gardens use sand, rocks, and other natural elements to create a meditative space. You can make a zen garden suitable for forest bathing, yoga, and meditation in your Orlando backyard.
Step 1: Choose a location
Choose a spot in your backyard that gets plenty of sunlight and is away from noisy areas. It can be a corner, a small space, or a larger area depending on your preference. Remember that your zen garden will be a quiet space, so try to choose a location with some privacy.
Step 2: Clear the area
Remove grass and plants in the area you choose. You can use a shovel or a hoe to to create a flat surface for the sand.
Step 3: Add a border
You can use wood, rocks, or other natural materials to add a border around the perimeter of your garden. A border will contain the sand and rocks in the garden.
Step 4: Add sand
Add a layer of sand to your garden area. Use a rake to create patterns in the sand, such as swirls or waves. This will create a calming effect that can help you relax.
Step 5: Add rocks and other natural elements
Add rocks, stones, and other natural elements to your garden area. You can use small pebbles, large rocks, or other natural elements. Arrange them to creates a pleasing visual effect that provides different textures.
Step 6: Add plants
Add plants such as moss, ferns, or small bushes around the border of the garden. The plants will provide greenery and create a natural backdrop for the garden.
Step 7: Personalize your garden
Add any additional features or personal touches that you like. You can add statues, lanterns, or any other items that bring you joy and enhance the overall feeling of peace in your zen garden.
Whether you use it for forest bathing, yoga, or meditation, it can provide a peaceful space in your Central Florida backyard. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and find your inner peace in your very own zen garden.