Forest Bathing 101: Do I Need a Swimsuit?
When I first heard the term “forest bathing,” I was just as confused as you probably are right now.
Don't get me wrong—I love a good, hot bubble bath. But I have zero interest in stripping down to my swimsuit (or, horror of horrors, exposing my bare bottom) for a walk in the woods. It’s hard enough to feel comfortable in that much skin at the beach, let alone on a hiking trail!
Thankfully, I quickly learned that "bathing" in this context is much more metaphorical.
What is Shinrin-yoku?
The Japanese actually coined this term, and as usual, they’re a few steps ahead of us. In Japan, the practice is called Shinrin-yoku, which translates roughly to "taking in the forest atmosphere."
Think of it like sunbathing. You aren't literally scrubbing yourself with the sun; you’re basking in its rays and absorbing the benefits. Now that we’ve established there is absolutely no disrobing involved, what actually happens during a forest therapy walk?
What to Expect on a Forest Walk
If you’re used to power-walking or hiking for distance, forest bathing will be a change of pace—literally. Here is what sets it apart:
It is "sloth-like" slow. We don’t cover much ground. If you’re looking to hit your 10k steps or break a cardio sweat, this isn't the venue. We move slowly to notice the things we usually rush past.
Leave the textbook at home. You won’t be memorizing the scientific names of plants or animals. This experience is about sinking into your senses, which is hard to do when you’re busy trying to learn new data.
Natural "Aromatherapy." As you breathe the fresh air, you inhale phytoncides. These are antimicrobial compounds produced by trees—especially the pines and cedars that surround us here in Muskoka. They are scientifically proven to boost immune function, reduce cortisol, and lower blood pressure.
A sense of connection. You’ll be invited to notice how incredibly intricate nature’s systems are. Seeing how every element plays a role in the "great web" often leads to a profound sense of awe and peace.
The Afterglow
The health benefits of a forest bath last long after you’ve left the trees (stay tuned for my next post where I’ll dive deeper into the science!).
At the very least, you’ll walk away having spent quality, screen-free time in nature—a gift we so often overlook in our busy lives.
Happy bathing!
