Thursday, October 10, 2024, is World Mental Health Day. One way to celebrate World Mental Health Day is to visit one of Washington State’s parks. Washington State Parks are FREE on Thursday, October 10th, 2024.
Forest bathing, or *Shinrin-yoku* in Japanese, immerses you in nature, particularly in forests, to engage your senses and connect deeply with the environment. Visiting a Washington State Park is a fun way to enjoy this day and improve your mental health.
It’s not about exercising or hiking but rather about slowing down, being present, and using the experience to reduce stress and improve well-being. Learning to slow down and reduce your stress will greatly improve your mental health. It’s a kind of meditative experience where you allow nature to soothe and rejuvenate you.
Benefits of Forest Bathing
- Reduced stress. Exposure to natural environments has lowered cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
- Improved mood. Being in nature boosts feelings of calm, happiness, and well-being.
- Better focus. Immersing yourself in the forest can sharpen mental clarity and attention.
- Enhanced immune function. Some studies suggest that spending time in forests boosts immune system activity.