I just came across a new, perplexing phrase.
Forest bathing?
Ugh? What’s that? I want to know more!
It turns out that it’s a form of nature therapy that originated in Japan where it is known as Shinrin-yoku.
Here’s a link to a video I found about the practice.
Why You Should Try the Japanese Art of Forest Bathing (LifeHacker, YouTube)
That stress relief sounds good, but I don’t happen to have a forest handy 🙁
However, I did find this soothing 360˚ video of the Hokkaido forest.
GALAXIID (YouTube Channel)
GALAXIID (Official Website)
Nice, I could use some more of that!
Of course, there are plenty of other videos like that on YouTube. For example, you might enjoy a 17 minute long 360˚ video of a relaxing walk in a Norwegian forest.
Real Virtual Movies (YouTube Channel)
In fact, writing this post inspired me to create this 360° experience called Hiking Trails Hall.
Click the “doors” to enter 360° virtual parks and “i”s for information about them.
You can also see it directly on Kuula.
Here’s the thing, though. As neat as 360˚ videos and experiences can be, they are no substitute for the real thing when it comes to physical activity. If you don’t happen to have ingredients for “forest bath” nearby (i. e. an actual bunch of trees), then just go for a regular walk, in the real world, as often as you can.
So get out there and get moving to stay healthy and less stressed, whether or not you happen to be lucky enough to have a forest 🙂