How did we get here? It feels like the semester just began, and already midterms are popping up like weeds in our happy collegiate garden. I haven’t stopped running since week one, and I know you haven’t either between work, classes, clubs, cleaning, fitness, family, friends and freaking Hurricane Florence. Running, running everywhere with not a beat to think.
In all that running around, it’s hard to find a moment to just…well…be. In Japan, the practice of shinrin-yoku, which literally translates to “forest bathing,” has been proven to improve your immune system and decrease depression, fatigue, anxiety and confusion, according to Dr. Qing Li, the world’s leading expert in forest medicine. So, what is forest bathing? Unlike meditation, which often involves shutting yourself off from the world and focusing inward, forest bathing is the practice of opening all five senses up to nature and letting it “wash” over you. Without screens, without assignments, without distractions. Just you and nature sitting, strolling or eating together.
So, the next time you need a break from all the cramming, consider going to the Arboretum, NC Botanical Garden, or our Campus Community Garden instead of opening social media. Meals are another great opportunity to take advantage of forest bathing. I mean, who doesn’t love a picnic? A cheater’s version of forest bathing (which I will totally admit to using) is looking at pics of forests before a test or presentation and taking slow, deep breaths. Whatever you choose, the important thing is not to get lost in the shuffle. Be with yourself and let nature cleanse you from the stress.