By: Bridget Weikel
Associate Vice President for Well- Being & Belonging
MONARCH WE
Rooted in Wellness: Embracing a Healthier You
Summer is upon us and it’ s a great time to be outside. I know, I know some of us do not enjoy bugs or too much heat, but the Hampton Roads area has a lot of opportunities for morning or late-afternoon outdoor moments or cool waterfront spots to dip your toes and take a breath. Experiencing the outdoors is not just a summer must-do but a long-held health benefit that should be year-round.
If I haven’ t grabbed your ear yet, I recently read“ Forest Bathing: How trees can help you find health and happiness” by Dr. Qing Li( 2018). Forest Bathing is the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku,“ shinrin” means“ forest” and“ yoku” means“ bath”. Dr. Li explains the health benefits of this Japanese practice of experiencing the forest with your five senses. While his studies are based on spending at least two-hours in the forest, he also notes the benefits begin after just twenty minutes. He recommends leaving your cell phone behind, and listening to the sounds of nature, looking at the natural beauty around you, smelling the air, touching the ground( preferably barefoot, if safe, or touch a tree), and if only if you’ re 100 % certain it is safe, try tasting some of nature( may be a tea). His research highlights the benefits of improved mood and reduced fatigue; improved sleep quality and length( afternoon is better than morning walks); reduced anxiety, depression and anger; and boosts in the immune system and other physical health.
By: Bridget Weikel
Associate Vice President for Well- Being & Belonging
Forest bathing aligns with more recent research in the western world about the value of“ nature prescriptions”: when a health or social professional recommends a patient spends a specific amount of time in nature each week. A recent systematic review of 122 reports and meta-analysis of 28 of those research studies outlines various nature prescriptions( enjoying or relaxation in nature, gardening, walking in nature) resulting in improvements ranging from physical health, psychological and cognitive health, behavioral outcomes, and biological indicators( Nguyen et. al, 2023).
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