Forest bathing meditation: embrace the health benefits of nature

Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku, listen this forest bathing meditation that you can do anywhere.

 

As many of us know, nature is a powerful wellbeing supplement. The term “forest bathing” or “shinrin yoku” was coined in Japan, where nature therapy has ancient roots. Being outside in the fresh air surrounded by greenery is an antidote for stress. But science has proven it has a multitude of benefits: being in nature can lower your blood pressure and stress hormone levels, calm your nervous system, enhance the immune system, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve your mood. Sounds good, right? 

 

Unfortunately, we don’t all live a stone’s throw from a sprawling forest but this guided meditation triggers the power of your mind to help you visualise being in a forest, so you can still reap those wonderful health benefits. Good news for city dwellers, guided visualisation of nature can be incredibly powerful at reducing anxiety according to one study. 

 

Take a moment now to relax and immerse yourself in this guided forest meditation. Enjoy. 

 

Anna Scott Miller

Anna Scott Miller

After an intensive yoga teacher training at Delight Yoga Amsterdam, among others, Anna Scott Miller teaches Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin and Hatha Yoga at Delight Yoga, Equal Yoga, the New Yogaschool and Yoga Academy Netherlands (YAN). Interested in living more mindfully? Then Anna is your go-to yogi. She has a lot of experience in teaching meditation, Pranayama (breathing exercises) and Yoga Nidra. What she really loves to do in her spare time? Being out in nature, bouldering, seeing friends and taking the time for self-development. Oh! And travelling. Every year she visits her yoga teachers in Bali and India.