The last few months were challenging. The Covid-19 led to a situation where many of us had to stay isolated inside our houses or just a room. Meeting friends or spending time with our loved ones became something impossible, even our routines were affected. All these elements together potentially had a negative impact on us, both physically and mentally.
In order to ease the negative effects that the current global situation is having on our mental health, we want to walk you through something that we have recently come across called Forest Bathing. In this post we will talk about what forest bathing is, and of course, all the amazing places available in Abruzzo where you can practice it.
A different type of bathing
You may have heard about “Forest Bathing”, but in case you haven’t, it is a simple and powerful technique which consists of being in contact with nature and taking advantage of its benefits. In fact, the term forest bathing comes from a Japanese exercise called “ Shinrin – Yoku” which means “taking in the forest atmosphere”.
Abruzzo is the right spot for you to restore yourself and feel like a brand new person. Where forest bathing can be practiced in Abruzzo? If you didn’t know it is the greenest region in Europe, so you are coming to the right place. If you want to have an idea of where to go check out our posts available within the Explore Abruzzo section. Are you ready for this adventure? Take a quick look at what you can find within its territory:
What do I need to start my forest bathing journey?
Before we get into details, let us share with you 4 tips, in order for you to enjoy the experience as much as you can.
Tip 1: choose your spot
Abruzzo has plenty of places where you can be in contact with nature. The Bosco di Sant’Antonio (Sant’Antonio Woods) with its centenary “Faggete” (beech tree), the cleanest river in Europe, the Fiume Tirino, Parco Fluviale delle Acquevive, the heart of Abruzzo (the Scanno Lake) or one of the several natural reserves right next to the coast are some of the options. If you are not sure where to go, you can drop us an email through the Contact Us section and we’ll be more than happy to help.
Tip 2: no electronic devices
You may be tempted to use your phone to check where you are or where you are going. However, you can always prepare your journey in advance and use the offline version of Google Maps or go adventurous with a standard paper map. Detoxing from tech will help you to focus and it is key to practice forest bathing.
Tip 3: be aware of where you are
Use all your senses to feel what is around you. Connecting with nature, all of its sounds, smells and textures can turn into a form of meditation and mental cleansing.
Lago di Sacanno
Tip 4: focus on your breathing
Deep breaths can help us to reduce stress levels and feel more relaxed, among many other benefits. Especially if you live in a big city, this is a really important practice to help your lungs (and whole-body) restore.
Forest bathing list
Once you are in your preferred spot you just need to be in contact with the place. Keep in mind that forest bathing is not hiking. Some of the to-do activities you can include in your list are: you can walk slowly to get familiar with the area you are exploring, admire what you are looking at, stand there to smell the air, feel the breeze in your face and listen to the sound of nature. You can even hug and talk to a tree! (yes, it is a thing) Options are infinite!
What are the benefits behind it?
By doing this you’ll be getting a ton of benefits that will help you in so many different ways:
1.- You will boost your immune system.
2.- You will accelerate your recovery from any recent illness.
3.- You will free your creativity.
4.- You will improve your mood.
5.- You will increase your energy.
6.- You will decrease anxiety, depression and anger.
7.- You will reduce your stress levels.
The most beautiful things in life are simple, and Abruzzo is a pleasant and gentle region that will make you feel at home…discover Abruzzo, discover yourself!