Where: All of Sweden
When: All year round
What: Forest bathing
Have you ever walked through a forest and felt an almost magical sense of peace? The soft rustle of leaves, the earthy scent of moss and pine, the gentle light filtering through the trees—these moments are more than just beautiful; they nourish your soul. This is the essence of forest bathing, or as it’s known in Swedish, skogsbad.
WHAT IS FOREST BATHING?
Forest bathing isn’t about taking a literal bath in the woods, although that does sound interesting. Instead, it’s about immersing yourself in nature, taking in the forest atmosphere with all your senses. Originating in Japan as shinrin-yoku, this practice has spread worldwide, and here in Sweden, it fits perfectly with our deep connection to nature.
In its simplest form, forest bathing is the practice of slowing down and being present in the forest. It’s not about hiking to a specific destination or getting a workout. Instead, it’s about walking slowly, breathing deeply, and letting nature do the rest. It’s about taking the time to notice the little things—a bird singing in the distance, the intricate patterns on a tree bark, or the way the sunlight dances through the leaves.
WHY TRY FOREST BATHING?
For me, as an outdoor photographer, forest bathing offers a chance to reconnect not just with nature, but with my creative self. When I’m not focused on capturing the perfect shot, I find that I see more, feel more, and experience more. It’s like pressing pause on the hustle of everyday life and allowing yourself to simply be.
But beyond the creative benefits, there’s a growing body of research that suggests forest bathing can have real health benefits. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even boost the immune system. In Sweden, where the concept of lagom—not too much, not too little—reigns supreme, forest bathing fits perfectly as a balanced way to care for both body and mind.
Personally, I often take a forest bath with my dog during my lunch break. It’s the perfect way to disconnect from the screen, breathe in some fresh air, and return to my day feeling happy, refreshed and energized. I find that even a short walk in the woods can clear my mind and spark new ideas.
HOW TO PRACTICE FOREST BATHING IN SWEDEN
Sweden is a forest lover’s paradise, with vast woodlands just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re new to Sweden or have been here for years, there are countless places where you can experience the calming effects of skogsbad. Here’s how to get started:
Choose Your Spot: Find a quiet forested area. Västerås offers many hidden gems, from the trails of Ångsö and Björnö to the less-known paths in places like Asköviken or Tidö-Lindö. The key is to find a place where you feel comfortable and won’t be disturbed.
Leave Your Camera at Home: Yes, I know, this is tough advice coming from a photographer and I find this really hard too. But the goal here is to be fully present.
Move Slowly: Forest bathing isn’t about covering distance. Walk slowly, stop often, and engage your senses. Touch the bark of trees, listen to the birds, sit on a big rock for a while and take in the fresh, earthy scent of the forest floor.
Breathe Deeply: Take slow, deep breaths. Inhale the clean, oxygen-rich air and exhale any stress or tension you’re holding onto.
Stay as Long as You Like: There’s no set time for a forest bath. Stay until you feel relaxed and refreshed. Whether it’s 20 minutes or a few hours, let the forest guide you.
BRINGING THE EXPERIENCE HOME
After your forest bath, you might feel a little different—calmer, more centered, maybe even a bit lighter. Try to carry that feeling with you into your daily life. Even when you’re back in the city or at work, take a moment to close your eyes and recall the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. It’s a simple way to reconnect with nature, no matter where you are.
In a world that’s always rushing, forest bathing is an invitation to slow down and rediscover the beauty of simplicity. Here in Sweden, where nature is such an integral part of life, it’s a practice that feels as natural as breathing.
So next time you find yourself with a free afternoon, why not head into the woods for a forest bath? You might just find that it’s exactly what you needed.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Forest bathing breathing techniques:
Studies about forest bathing: forestbathingcentral.com/forest-bathing-studies/
Podcast about forest bathing:
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