How to forest bathe in Singapore for health and happiness
You don’t have to get your kit off, and you’ll leave a session feeling lighter
Text: Sam Y
Trying to relieve anxiety and reduce stress in your life isn’t as simple as a walk in the park ... but what if the answer wasn’t too far off? The Japanese art of ‘shinrin-yoku’ or forest bathing, is a wellness exercise that centres around bathing in nature’s biophilic atmosphere, and has been practiced for years. “Scientifically, we know of the presence of phytoncides naturally emitted by plants,” says Youmin Yap, founder of Xiu Nature Connections. “As we breathe in phytoncides, they also boost our health.” Indeed, participating in ecotherapy such as forest bathing results in endless physiological health benefits including reducing stress and easing anxiety. And that’s just for starters.
Not to be confused with activities like hiking or jogging through nature, forest bathing is an act of mindfulness that provides us with the essential experience of slowing down, being present, and connecting to ourselves and nature and our surroundings. You don’t have to be particularly into botany or conservation or even fitness to do it: the focus isn’t on flora and fauna or completing a certain trail. It’s simply about being outside, using our senses and acknowledging our affiliation to the great outdoors. “In our very fast paced and disconnected lives, forest therapy is a way to return to our natural rhythms and to plug us back into nature which we are ultimately a part of,” explains Youmin, who is also a pioneer and leading Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy).
A growing trend
It’s no surprise that forest therapy is a growing trend, especially in these Covid-19 times when we have few options for travel, and when we do, we seek Singapore’s wide open landscapes that align with social distance practices, provide us with fresh air, and give us some much-needed space away from our four walls/demanding kids/Selling Sunset/husband’s loud Zoom practices. And as a bonus, the benefits of immersing yourself within biophilia are many: expect an increased state of relaxation, an improvement in mood, reduced feelings of fatigue and anger, and enhanced feelings of self-esteem and joy.
The best thing about forest bathing, apart from it being extremely affordable (ie free!) is that you don’t actually need to be in an actual forest to receive the perks. “We are blessed with many green spaces in Singapore. Head out to a park, be quiet, be slow, and engage all your senses,” advises Youmin.
If you’re a first timer at the art of forest bathing, she recommends signing up for a guided session with Xiu Nature Connections during which you’ll be encouraged to connect to the great outdoors in sensory ways that you may not usually anticipate. You may experience a sense of timelessness, or deep calm and tranquility. “Like yoga or other wellness practices, learning about forest bathing with a guide is always good place to start as you’ll have someone to follow and learn the nuances from. You’ll go into the session with less fear and worry, and can truly enjoy the experience.”
For more information visit https://xiunatureconnections.com/
