It is still my favorite therapy, against stress, simple and kind. This is my time to slow down and disconnect. If it feels beautiful and resonant to you, that’s what matters. Now sit down.
It’s the color of the Emerald Isle, the hue of sickness and envy, and a shade associated with grotesque monsters. And its most universal interpretation conjures imagery of nature, a vibrant symbol of the environmental movement and healthy living. Green, the mixture of blue and yellow, can be seen everywhere and in countless shades. In fact, the human eye sees green better than any color in the spectrum. This, along with many other facts about this earthly color, makes it an essential part of our everyday lives.
Some scientists and researchers also believe that because our eyes are at the peak of their perception to detect the wavelengths corresponding with the color green, the shade may calm us down. With less strain to perceive the colors, our nervous system can relax when perceiving the tone. Spending time in nature and access to green spaces has shown to have a positive impact on stress levels and can also reduce cortisol, a stress hormone, in your blood throughout the day. This positive effect happens in everyone, regardless of gender, age, and socioeconomic background. No matter how people choose to spend time in nature, whether hiking in the woods or relaxing in the garden, it can significantly affect mental health and well-being. Even just ten minutes in a local park a few times a week can have a significant effect!
I am so lucky to live in a house in the middle of the wood. It is not a forest, but I can imagine and do forest bathing anyway. It is so simple and it always works! First, find a spot. Make sure you have left your phone and camera behind. You are going to be walking aimlessly and slowly. You don’t need any devices. Let your body be your guide. Listen to where it wants to take you. Follow your nose. And take your time. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get anywhere. You are not going anywhere. You are savoring the sounds, smells and sights of nature and letting the forest in. The key to unlocking the power of the forest is in the five senses. Let nature enter through your ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hands and feet. Listen to the birds singing and the breeze rustling in the leaves of the trees. Look at the different greens of the trees and the sunlight filtering through the branches.
And this is me, crossing the bridge to happiness.
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