A forest walk amongst the Pacific Rim National Park weaves along boardwalks between towering coastal spruces and firs that flourish in the long growing season and rich moisture. The boardwalks keep you risen above areas of bog and muskeg as you pass over areas of Shorepine, Labrador tea, and the taffy pink Bog Laurel without leaving a footprint.
You may have experienced thickets of huckleberry, salmonberry and salal taller than the eye can see. Or Sword and Bracken ferns that fluff up the space between trees like clouds skirting across mountain valleys.
We know that we feel good in nature but we’ve forgotten that our genes are adapted to nature. Yet, we are so easily confined in urban areas away from nature.
Terpenes
Taking slow, deep breaths in the atmosphere of the forest allows us to absorb the healing benefits of terpenes, the essential oil makeup in plants. Terpenes anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and neuroprotective activities are easily obtained from forests, especially when we’re near conifers in the rainforests of Vancouver Island.
Bathing in these forest aerosols has shown to decrease inflammation and improve physical relaxation, mood, sleep, stress, and memory.
Negative Ions
When we step outside we generally feel a sudden release. It’s not just the open sky and daylight we feel — it’s negative ions.
The great indoors are filled with positive ions from fluorescent lights, electronics, carpets, and upholstery resulting in overall heaviness and even depression in the body.
Grounding
Our grandmothers and our grandmothers’ grandmothers stood on this earth barefoot or in leather soled shoes conductive to the earth's natural charge. When we live in rubber soles we insulate our bodies away from the healing benefits of grounding.
Fractals
Just being able to see tree leaves and grass has been linked to faster recovery in hospitals, sharper performance at work, lower stress hormones in the blood, and less mental distress. So, what is it about the imagery and patterns of nature that the body likes so much?
Cognitive Quiet
Listening to an orchestra of songbirds in tree canopies, or the gentle trickle of creek sized waterfall are the most naturally restorative and calming sounds.
When we listen to the sounds of Nature on our forest walks, our attention turns outward and in turn our heart rates slow, tension releases, and relaxation ensues.
You will reap greater benefits in denser forests. Find a place with not too many other people and their technology around. If ‘forest bathing near me’ doesn’t work in Google, find a local’s recommendation for a spot with conifers and flowing water.