Ever notice how a day at the beach, in the mountains, or wandering through a deep forest seems relaxing? Well, it is relaxing, and it turns out it’s relaxing on a deep level. Join me as I show you how Shinrin Yoku or Forest Bathing can improve your Diabetes.
For today’s video, I’m going to do something a little different. This is one of those videos you may want to keep on your phone so you can replay it when you need it.
A Zen Moment
I have realized over the past couple of years that some places like walking on a beach and hearing the sound of the waves or walking in an area that has beautiful flowers and trees seem to make me feel calm and less stressed. I say to myself “this is a zen moment”.
Now I find out there is research for this type of stress reducer which is a Japanese movement or ritual called “shinrin-yoku” (forest-air bathing and walking).
Many of the studies looked at green environments. This color made a difference with improved self-esteem and mood and the presence of water generated greater effects (there is the feeling of walking on the beach). It’s interesting that both men and women had similar improvements in self-esteem after green exercise, although men showed a difference in mood.
Being amongst nature also can boost your attention abilities. And even better yet, there is a study specifically on people with non-insulin-dependent diabetes showing that those who walked in the forest for about 2-4 miles at least 9 times over 6 years, were able to lower their blood sugar levels from before walking in the forest) 179 to 108 mg per deciliter (after forest walking). Sign me up!!!
Be Sure To Check This Article Out – Diabetes and Stress- Find Your Stress Reliever
The Background of Shinrin Yoku
Ok, I just want to give you a little more background about this stress-reducing activity, and then I promise, I’ll take you on a walk in the forest so you can experience this anytime by playing this video – you will always have it on video so it doesn’t matter the time of day or night OR the weather outside your door. You can be a part of this experience anytime.
Here are some to do’s as we take our walk today…
- Use all your senses to allow nature to embrace you. Your ears, nose, mouth, hands, and feet.
- Make sure to listen carefully to hear birds singing and the breeze rustling in the leaves of the trees.
- Look at the variations of the color green in the forest.
On video, it is hard to use your sense of smell, taste, and feel so you will need to either visualize these senses or go outside your home and take a deep breath and place your hands on a tree when you do go outdoors.
The last sense is the state of mind. Which is a combination of all these senses you have opened by participating in this experience.
Ok, now for the experience….
I really hope you enjoyed our walk today. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss out on tips like these!
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