Good Mood Academy

Boost your mood: FOREST BATHING

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30 Sep
IN THE FOREST THERE'S

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO RELAX

The Japanese coined the term #shinrinyoku meaning forest bathing to improve both physical and mental health.    By immersing yourself in the forest thicket, you relax your body deeply and for a longer time. And what if you sharpen your senses to spot mushrooms among moss, ferns and grass? Then you discover the Polish equivalent: mushroom picking! Regardless of the name, you can be sure, that the time spent in the forest will bring you valuable rest and relaxation.

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JUST ENJOY

THE HERE & NOW

Forest bathing is all about immersing yourself in the forest atmosphere while walking, using all five senses. This allows you to focus on what is here and now. In times when the boundaries between home and work have become pretty blurred, being fully present in the moment can sometimes come with some difficulty. Absorbing the forest teaches you to establish a unique relationship with it, and eventually helps you relax, clear your head and even... improve your immunity! At least that's what Japanese scientists say, who studied the impact of the forest not only on the well-being, but also on the health of their compatriots. We believe that additionally turning off the sound in your smartphone and hiding it deep in your backpack will not only help you rest even better, but will also increase the chance of seeing the forest more fully. This might be our kind of homely ‘mindfulness’.

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SLOW DOWN

TAKE YOUR TIME

Forest bathing (#shinrinyoku) can be pleasantly combined with other practices that effectively lift the mood: the practice of moving meditation and grounding. Movement meditation can be successfully practised while walking along forest paths that we know well and when we can focus only on our breathing and free flow of thoughts, without thinking about the right way or anything else. Enjoy the moment, relax, slow down, take your time.

 Another health-promoting practice that also has a wonderful effect on our mood is a walk in the forest... barefoot! It is possible that your feet will need a moment to get used to completely new stimuli, but over time they will thank you. It is possible that soon they will miss close contact with the forest floor, the coolness of the moss, the softness of the sand and the rustling of the leaves ...

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You don't need any more convincing, do you? Grab a wicker basket, be sure to pack your CUCA knives and go to the forest! Remember to share our post with your friends and maybe you'll meet on the forest paths?

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