how to reduce stress in the forest?

Maybe you've already seen someone cuddling a tree in the woods. This person certainly practiced what is called sylvotherapy, also named shinrin yoku (which means "forest bath" in Japanese), a well-being solution that invites you to reconnect with nature. But the sylvotherapy does not only offer to entwine trees, pines and other trunks.
More broadly, it is about walking in forest, to enjoy the birdsong and the light, to meditate at the foot of a tree or to observe the plants. What seemingly banal activities, which are in reality a source of relaxation and good health.

Sometimes contested for its marketing character, the concept of sylvotherapy, carried by Dr. Qing Li, its main defender, was born in Japan in the 80s. We tell you how it works (and no pun intended).

Why sylvotherapy does us good

Before diving into a "forest bath" or even cuddling a tree, let's question the benefits of sylvotherapy. Because yes, it's true, what's the point?
Silvotherapy is a anti stress. Researchers at Kyoto University have shown that during a forest bath, the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, drop. But forest baths are also good for your health. On the one hand, in contact with nature, heart rate and blood pressure decrease – thus limiting cardiovascular risks – and on the other hand, the immune system is strengthened.
If nature is all good (and our body says thank you), it is quite simply because it gives us energy, invites us (through a walk) not only to take time for ourselves, but also to breathe deeply, which never hurts.
As to trees, energy carriers, they release substances useful for our well-being. So if you have "everything" tried to relax, but in vain, sylvotherapy is reaching out to you. An activity accessible to all.

Forest baths, how does it work?

When you take a forest bath, it's not really about putting on a swimsuit, but just wandering nature for an hour or two, or even a lot more (a hike also works). The ideal is to take your time and connect with nature, vegetation, light, sounds, landscapes. For a rich moment, clear your mind and let the forest envelop you.
Of course, it is not always easy to let go. Any advice to achieve this? Do not try to chase your thoughts at all costs, they will come back (the more you fight against a thought, the more it becomes embedded, and the more you repeat to yourself that you have to let go, the less you let go). Imagine instead that your parasitic thoughts spin with the clouds; they are not far away, they are part of the scenery, but they no longer occupy your brain.

As well, activate your five senses during your forest bath. This reflex will help you all the more to focus on nature and receive its benefits. What smells jump out at me? What do I hear? How many shades of green are floating around me? And so on. Inviting in mindfulness will allow you to come out fully satisfied with your experience, and, of course, completely regenerated.

How to choose your tree?

When swimming in the forest, you slalom between trees and a few cobwebs, but you can also get close to a particular tree. But be careful, we do not choose it by chance. It all depends on our needs. Among the trees generally popular in silvotherapy, we can cite:

• The Oak (his majesty!), which symbolizes strength, energy, action. We love him for his ability to boost self-confidence. Ideal in case of slack, discouragement, feeling of failure.
• Beech, which in turn represents affection. He is able to console us, to comfort us. A true ally and a great refuge to soothe negative emotions (sadness, disappointment…).
• The work, a gentle tree synonymous with renewal. By his side, we open a new page, we temper our fears and we regain momentum. It is also linked to creativity, able to stimulate inspiration.
• Linden, which has the particularity of protecting us. He is like a blanket, a landmark.
• Chestnut, which reflects joy! Spending time with a chestnut is to find a smile and gain lightness.
• Ash, impressive and full of energy, with which to fight against fatigue. We also see this tree as a guide, a path. When we feel lost, he welcomes us and enlightens us.
• Olive Tree, which represents peace, security. In the event of a romantic break-up or friendly or professional conflicts, the olive tree is the tree to follow.
• Alder, which symbolizes the future, and thus allows you to connect to your intuition when you ask yourself questions about the future, a direction to take, a choice of life.

And now that we've found his tree, what do we do with it?

Now that a tree is "talking" to you, what to do? There are several types of meetings, to initiate according to your state of mind and your expectations. You can, for example, go and write at the foot of that tree, whether you need to confide in your journal or work on a project. You can also hug him or confide in him, or just treat yourself to a meditation session. The important thing is to appreciate the surroundings around you, to feel good in the landscape, and to be fully aware of your connection with your tree. You are two, you exchange, you spend a moment together.

For a session of sylvotherapy in the rules of the art, take the time to approach your tree when you find it, to touch it gently, to take a few minutes to do a breathing exercise, to thank it too. Expressing gratitude is indeed essential (and saying goodbye too).

Why don't you trust the seasons

When we think of nature, we often think of flowering trees and greenery. However, sylvotherapy is practiced all year round. So no matter the red trees (they are beautiful), bare (they bring us back to basics) or the ambient cold (it invigorates us), it is always time for sylvotherapy. In fact, each season stimulates different organs. In the spring, sylvotherapy will be useful for the liver and gall bladder. In summer, make room for the heart and small intestine. In winter, you do good to your lungs and large intestine. Finally, in winter, we take care of his bladder and queens.

Beyond this healthy approach, the seasons are also different periods from an energetic point of view. In spring, we dare to renew, in summer, we summon joy, in autumn, we take the opportunity to take stock, take stock, and finally, in winter, we rest and we curl up on ourselves … for better then be reborn. You understand, sylvotherapy therefore accompanies us in this cycle, so to your trees!

Bibliography to go further in sylvotherapy: 5 essential books

• Shinrin Yoku, The Art and Science of Forest Bathing, by Dr Qing Li, referent in the field for his different approaches, at First Editions or in pocket version at Pocket editions, 8.40 €
• The little book of sylvotherapy, The health benefits of the forest, Gilles Diedericks, 2.99 € only at First Editions, a small summary of advice that you keep in your pocket to leaf through under a tree!
• These trees that wish us good, Discovering the benefits of sylvotherapy, by Laurence Monce, Dunod editions. A book written by a naturopath, with proven storytelling talents. Interesting, inspiring and entertaining at the same time. 16.90 € to order here.
• Sylvotherapy: The healing forest, Hermine Deniaud, Kiwi editions, a real well-being guide, very practical, € 18 also to be ordered online.
• Sylvotherapy: The energetic power of trees, by Jean-Marie Defossez, Jouvence editions. 15.90 €, a book full of advice and emotions

And also :
The story of an unprecedented experience
If nature is reaching out to you, you'll love Jennifer Murzeau's essay, Life in the woods. This journalist wanted to get as close as possible to nature to feel it from the inside and reconnect with it, going alone for a week without water, without food, with a knife and a hammock. This city-dweller recounts her difficulties, her limitations, her wonders and her joys. An experience that aroused in her … a furious desire to leave! A very interesting book that we loved, € 6.50 in our pocket at Pocket editions