Nature Connection: Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing)

“Forest bathing” or Shinrin-yoku, is a practice that originated in Japan in the 1980s. It involves spending time in a forest or other natural environment to improve physical and mental health. The practice involves slowing down and using your senses to connect with nature. Deeply connecting with nature besides being inherently rewarding and eliciting a host of positive emotions also has been demonstrated to have numerous benefits for our psychological, emotional and physical health and wellbeing. This activity will be undertaken in The Pinnacles and Kama/Molonglo River Nature Reserves and includes an introduction to forest bathing followed by a series of ‘Invitations’ along the journey- i.e., activities designed to encourage a deeper connection with the natural world around us. Starting in the Pinnacles, we travel southwest through Kama toward the Molonglo River. Our return journey offers a fresh perspective on each reserve, ensuring a varied experience throughout. The terrain includes fire trails, narrow footpads, and light off-track sections with undulating ground, roots, and loose rocks. Gaiters or long pants are mandatory for leg protection. Given the nature of the terrain the hikes linear distance (11.0 km) and elevation gain (300m) makes this physical effort equivalent to a 14.0km on-track walk. The activity is likely to take 3.5hrs-4.5hrs to complete and is best suited for walkers who have an interest in nature connection, are comfortable off-track, possess a moderate level of fitness, and have successfully completed at least one hike similar in nature within the past 3 months. For further information on the science, benefits and practice of forest bathing and nature connection please see the Greater Good Science Centre for further information: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_forest_bathing_is_good_for_your_health