![\"child](\"https:\/\/cdn.creatureandcoagency.com\/uploads\/2023\/01\/ForestBathing-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is the practice of shinrin-yoku,<\/em> or forest bathing, which was officially recognised by the Japanese government in the 1980s. It\u2019s different from hiking, which is about reaching a destination, or taking a nature walk, which focuses on identifying plants and animals. Forest bathing encourages participants to engage with nature slowly and deliberately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can try this nature-based practice no matter where you live \u2014 and it has tangible physical and mental health benefits for kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Forest bathing is all about soaking in your surroundings and practicing mindfulness while in nature, whether it\u2019s your backyard, local park, or an actual forest. And a growing body of research shows it has health benefits ranging from better sleep<\/a> to reductions in the stress hormone cortisol<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This may be because forest bathing essentially combines the benefits of meditation with the benefits of being outside in nature. For example, forest bathing and meditation are both mindfulness practices<\/a> that help you become fully engaged in the present moment. Studies show<\/a> that cultivating mindfulness can boost memory and focus, promote empathy, reduce stress<\/a>, and improve attention and behaviour in school.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n But traditional meditation can be challenging, especially for younger kids who have trouble sitting still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cForest bathing activities pull us into the present moment without needing to be still,\u201d Nazarian explains. \u201cThis helps children become more aware of their bodies. As they learn to be aware of how their body feels, they start to recognise how their bodies react to emotions as well. It\u2019s a valuable strategy to self-soothe and manage stress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n Then there\u2019s the other advantage of forest bathing: it gets kids outside and into green spaces. Hundreds of studies<\/a> have investigated the positive impacts of nature on children\u2019s physical, mental, and emotional health and development \u2014 ranging from boosting kids\u2019 IQ<\/a> and strengthening familial bonds<\/a> to improving mental health<\/a>. Plus, it’s a great way to cut down on screen time<\/a> and combat eco-anxiety<\/a> with a positive connection to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere is something about being in the natural world that improves cognitive development and physical and mental health,\u201d says Richard Louv, co-founder of the Children and Nature Network and author of several books, including Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.<\/em> \u201cSpecifically, the research strongly suggests time in nature can help children learn to build confidence, teach them to calm themselves, improve focus, improve creativity and reduce stress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Developing a connection with the natural world is mutually beneficial, too. Kids thrive on time outdoors, and developing a love for nature will inspire them to care for it in the future. Spark their imagination with tales of explorers and scientists from a National Geographic Kids magazine subscription<\/a>, then take them out for an adventure of their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready to try forest bathing with your kids? Here are a few guidelines to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Helene Gibbons, a forest-bathing guide, has adapted many practices into five- to 15-minute breaks that teachers can do with children throughout the day. \u201cIt\u2019s not always realistic to do an hour-long forest-bathing walk with kids,\u201d she says. \u201cWe call the activities \u2018invitations\u2019 because you\u2019re always welcome to adapt them,\u201d Gibbons says. \u201cKids need autonomy to make decisions for themselves. They like to have that freedom.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Using your senses is all about noticing your surroundings, being alert, and being present\u2014things that meditation does as well,” says Katy Bowman, a bio-mechanist and author of Grow Wild: The Whole-Child, Whole-Family, Nature-Rich Guide to Moving More.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen you\u2019re listening for all the nature sounds you can hear, you\u2019re focused on something that\u2019s not the jibber jabber in your own head,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask questions that encourage children to focus on their senses. What does the grass feel like? Can you see different shapes? Take a deep breath – what do you smell? <\/p>\n\n\n These activities help provide a fun, loose structure that encourages children to be more mindful of their natural surroundings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look out for more ways to connect your kids with nature in National Geographic Kids’ free email newsletter<\/a>. It’s packed with family-friendly activities, good news and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe benefits of forest bathing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOut in nature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A beginner\u2019s guide<\/strong> to forest bathing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Be flexible.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Shortening the amount of time you focus on a forest-bathing activity is one way to keep it loose, particularly for younger children. Giving them permission to talk and move around, regardless of the activity, is another way to be more flexible.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDraw attention to the sensory experience. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTurn it into a game. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Have you ever been on a forest bathing adventure with your family? Might you be interested in trying one now? Let us know in the comments below.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Written by Kelly Dinardo. Image credits: girl on rock (c) Xixinxing \/ Getty images; all others (c) Adobe Stock.<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"