How to Remain in a State of Soft Fascination, Amidst the Forest and Deep Breathing

Summary

The article discusses the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, as a means to combat stress and improve mental and physical health by engaging with nature.

Abstract

The concept of Karoshi, or death by overwork, highlights the severe stress prevalent in Japan, prompting a turn to the ancient Buddhist practice of Shinrin-Yoku. This practice, which involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to engage the five senses, is gaining popularity as a therapeutic activity. Scientific research supports the benefits of forest therapy, showing that it can lower cortisol levels, improve mood, reduce anxiety, and potentially decrease the risk of heart attacks. The article emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature for mental and physical well-being, suggesting that even brief interactions with natural elements can foster calmness, creativity, and emotional balance.

Opinions

The author suggests that modern life's competitive stress can be alleviated by the tranquility found in forests.
Engaging in Shinrin-Yoku allows individuals to be present and free from anxiety without the constant alertness technology often demands.
Japan's investment in creating more forests for its citizens reflects a societal recognition of the importance of nature for health and well-being.
The article implies that humans have an innate connection to nature, which explains the calming effect of natural settings.
It is posited that interacting with nature can shift brain activity from areas associated with problem-solving to those linked with emotions and pleasure, enhancing creativity.
The author advocates for the value of parks as accessible natural spaces and suggests that even engaging with nature through photos or sounds is beneficial when direct interaction isn't possible.

How to Remain in a State of Soft Fascination, Amidst the Forest and Deep Breathing

Intiyaco, Córdoba, Argentina. Photo: Sarah Carrozzini

«What goes on in your mind when you see a butterfly, the sunset, or the rain?»

Karoshi, that Japanese term that signifies death by overwork. Japan is a country where competition loses against the suicide rate and seeks its solution in the tranquility of forests. Finding peace and balance is essential for surviving the job expectations.

An ancient Buddhist practice called Shinto involves taking forest baths. It’s about engaging your five senses in a natural space, away from technology. It allows you to center yourself in the present moment, surrounded by nature, free from anxiety and the constant alertness to anticipate problems.

Amidst the chaos of competitive stress, Japan endeavors to create more forests to provide its citizens with spaces for practicing Shinrin-Yoku. According to a report in the newspaper El País, every year between 2.5 and 5 million Japanese people participate in these “forest therapy” sessions.

Shinrin-Yoku is the act of walking in a natural environment.

A typical session consists of a two-hour leisurely walk through the forest and breathing exercises. To assess the changes brought about by the treatment, blood pressure and other physiological variables are measured before and after the walk. Scientific studies help us comprehend the impact that a simple outdoor walk can have on our lives.

For instance, South Korea has invested 140 million dollars in establishing a National Forest Therapy Center. However, it’s not difficult to notice that spending half an hour in the countryside leaves us more relaxed than waiting in traffic, observing how we remain stuck at a green traffic light with no shade from a tree.

Yoshifumi Miyazaki, a physiological anthropologist at Chiba University’s Center for Environment, Health, and Field Sciences in Tokyo, Japan, describes the human connection with nature as a home. In an interview with Outside Magazine, he stated, “During our evolution, we have spent 99.9% of our time in natural environments. Our physiological functions are still adapted to this environment”. This explains why natural settings induce calmness and comfort.

Studies conducted by scientists at the University of Chiba have shown that out of 600 subjects since 2004, those who frequently visit forests have a 12.4% lower cortisol hormone level. Practitioners of Shinrin-Yoku report being in a better mood, experiencing less anxiety, and unknowingly exhibiting a reduced incidence of heart attacks.

Interacting with nature decreases the activity of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for planning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Instead, activity shifts to other brain regions associated with emotions, pleasure, and empathy — qualities closely tied to creativity. “That’s why food tastes better in the forest,” says Miyazaki in the Outside Magazine interview.

Parks also serve as small oases of nature, and in the worst-case scenario, it is always better to admire nature photos, listen to the flow of a river, or observe a tree on the street rather than being glued to a cellphone screen. Sometimes, it is necessary to immerse ourselves in the natural world, once again experiencing the falling of a leaf, the swaying of branches, and the sensation of walking with the breeze.

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