Whangārei Falls, Northland © Northland Tourism
What’s the big deal with
FOREST BATHING?
Here in Aotearoa we love swimming in the ocean, quick dips in the river and a soothing hot pool, but what exactly is forest bathing? And why is New Zealand such a good place to try it? SHINRIN-YOKU verb (v) forest bathe; to take in the forest atmosphere.
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hinrin-yoku (that’s forest bathing to you and I) was first coined in Japan to describe an all-natural antidote to workplace burnout. But don’t be fooled by the word bathing: no togs are required for this recreational must-do. The idea of forest bathing encourages a full retreat into nature, but one that goes much deeper than simply enjoying the great outdoors. Fundamentally, it’s about asking yourself, ‘when was the last time I properly used all five senses to lose myself in the environment?’ Going for a brisk walk this is not; the purpose of forest bathing isn’t to reach anywhere specific, or
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in a certain timeframe, it’s about taking the opportunity to discover the shades, shapes, sounds and smells of the forest – with seemingly no intention, other than that it’s good for you. Exposure to trees, fresh air, blue sky and birdsong is believed to help bolster the immune system, counter illnesses, reduce stress, lower blood pressure and aid sleep. Pretty important stuff in 2020. Luckily for us Kiwis, we have enough forest on our fair isles to bathe away an eternity, but if you’re after something more substantial than your back-garden beech tree, we’ve picked five of the best places to shinrin-yoku.
