I hope you have been enjoying your summer. I can’t believe that it will be over in a few weeks.
I was inspired to write today’s Newsletter by an experience I had today.
This morning, I traveled out of the City. When I arrived at my destination, I was immediately struck by the delicious clean air coupled with the sight of the beautiful blue Hudson river. I felt my body and mind slow down. I instantly became more present.
What a contrast from the hub-bub and intensity of my daily life.
This Newsletter is devoted to encourage us to “take a break” and get in tune with our bodies as we transition to Fall.
I have written about the health benefits of the Japanese discipline of Forest Bathing, called Shinrin-Yoku. Shinrin-Yoku stimulates the parasympathetic (peaceful) part of our Nervous System and it encourages us to step away from the ‘technostress” (1) of our everyday lives.
Shinrin-Yoku Benefits: (1)
1. Increased Natural Killer cell numbers and activity, “suggesting a preventive effect on cancers.”
2. “Reduces blood pressure and heart rate showing preventive effect on hypertension and heart diseases.”
3. “Reduce stress hormones, such as urinary adrenaline and noradrenaline and salivary/serum cortisol contributing to stress management.”
4. “Increases the activity of parasympathetic nerves and reduces the activity of sympathetic nerves to stabilize the balance of autonomic nervous system.”
5. “Improve(s) sleep”
6. Increased DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate).
7. “Reduces the scores for anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion, and increases the score for vigor, showing preventive effects on depression.”
8. “Shinrin-yoku in city parks also has benefits on human health.”
10. “Shinrin-yoku may have preventive effect on COVID-19 by boosting immune function and by reducing mental stress.”
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How You Can Incorporate Shinrin-Yoku in Your Life:
- You don’t need to go to a forest. You can experience nature by going to a local park and feeling your feet on the ground and looking at trees, flowers, foliage, bodies of water. Breathe in the air. Marvel at nature.
- You can keep a plant in your house and lovingly touch it and tend to it.
- You can go to your local Botanical Garden and immerse yourself in the beauty of what you see.
- You can take a hike with friends
I hope you can take a moment today to smell a flower or even a hug a tree and then see how your body and mind feel. It may even lower your blood pressure.
To Your Health,
Dr. Jill
References:
1.Li Q. Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention -the Establishment of “Forest Medicine”. Environ Health Prev Med. 2022;27:43
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Disclaimer: Please note that the content on this Newsletter does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a physician before making any medical, nutritional, or lifestyle changes recommended in this Newsletter.