Get rid of stress naturally with forest bathing
Taking time to take one’s time
In order to be effective, a break should last between 1h30 and 3h and be shorter than 6 km. You have got to go slowly at it, very slowly… All your senses must be alert: smell, touch, sight, hearing and even taste. You have got to be able to physically and mentally immerse yourself in that gigantic and peaceful nature. You have got to live in the here and the now. And in this respect, I advise you to let go of all things that could distract you… your smartphone is the first thing that comes to mind, but your camera too! Nature should not be viewed behind a screen. There is no use, however, to follow some training to practice Shinrin-Yokun.
Forest bathing in the Ardennes
I am very lucky to live on the range of the Great Forest of Anlier, a forest massif covering the municipalities of Habay, Léglise, Fauvillers and Martelange in the province of Luxembourg. During the autumn season, I just need to open my window to be able to hear the roaring of deers right from my bed (gives you a better insight of my daily environment?). That kind of sound always wakens up something inside me. I call that the “call of the forest”. When you live in the Ardennes, that call often resonates within you. Very often, after a long day’s work I put on my trainers to get some fresh air in the woods. What do I prefer? Climbing up a hill to observe the surroundings. From that kind of spot, there is a high probability to get a peek at a roe deer, a heron, a fox or a squirrel. Sounds cliché, doesn’t it? And yet, this is where I live. I even came to playfully wonder what animals I would meet every time I wander around in the middle of nowhere. Because that is indeed what I do: taking some time to just do nothing. Easy, natural and healthy!
- Activate all your senses: smell, touch, sight, earing and taste
- Choose comfortable shoes and outfit
- Leave your smartphone home as well as every device likely to disconnect you from your environment.
- Take some breaks and admire nature
- Live in the here and the now…
How do you feel about that? Feel like trying? Find a cozy corner in the Ardennes region and discover one of our most beautiful forest massifs!