Explore Nature-Inspired Home Wellness Routines for an Immediate Boost

Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, is a walking mindfulness practice originating in Japan that has gained popularity in the past 10 years, with an even greater interest since the pandemic. This practice encourages individuals to put down their phones, walk slowly, and observe their surroundings, fully immersing themselves in nature and promoting wellness and relaxation.

Jeanne Christie, the owner of Connect to Wilderness, promotes immersive, meaningful, and accessible experiences in nature for supporting mental, heart, and immune health. Christie suggests that nature can be experienced in one's own backyard, and city dwellers with limited green space can start with a few aromatic herbs and flowers in pots on a windowsill, balcony, or small yard.

An aromatherapy garden is a space designed with plants rich in natural aroma and therapeutic benefits. Choosing aromatic herbs and flowers that spark joy is key to creating an aromatherapy garden in limited spaces. City dwellers with poor gardening skills can create an aromatherapy garden by using raised beds or container gardening with easy-care aromatic plants like lavender, mint, or rosemary, utilizing self-watering pots, automated irrigation, and selecting low-maintenance, hardy plant varieties.

Jennifer Walsh, wellness and nature expert, explains that forest bathing is about being fully present and activating the senses. Walsh likens forest bathing in one's own backyard to a multivitamin for the brain. If possible, taking off shoes while practicing forest bathing can help ground oneself to the earth, further enhancing the experience.

Natural swimming pools (also called swimming ponds) are gaining popularity and are better for both people and the environment. Sarah Murch, director and head designer at Ellicar, explains that a natural swimming pool uses biological filtration instead of chemicals to keep the water clean. Travelers are turning to wild swimming retreats to connect with nature and immerse themselves in the water, experiencing the benefits of cold plunges, which research indicates can improve mood and well-being.

A 2020 study found that people who took a 10-week course to learn to swim in cold seawater experienced greater improvements in mood and well-being. Holly Brandenberger, registered nurse and founder of Science of Essential Oils, explains the concept of an aromatherapy garden, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature for supporting wellness. Being outside and connecting with nature supports wellness, and forest bathing offers a simple and accessible way for individuals to reap the benefits of nature's healing power.