Forest Bathing, Singapore Style
The Japanese art of shinrin-yoku (literally translated as “forest bathing”) is the therapeutic act of spending time in a forest. The premise is simple: when a person visits a natural space and walks in a relaxed way, there are calming, rejuvenating, and restorative benefits to reap. If you have ever been in nature and listened to the birds and cicadas, watched sunlight filter through trees, chances are you have already taken a forest bath.
Developed in Japan during the 1980s, forest bathing has since become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. Japanese studies have shown that forest bathing improves sleep quality, mood, focus, and lowers blood pressure and stress levels. Spending time in nature, away from modern technology and urban cities, can significantly improve your physical and mental health. Suitable for any level of fitness, prescribed forest bathing in Japan has led to a healthier lifestyle for people of all ages.
In the concrete jungle that is Singapore, one might think that it would be hard to indulge in the art of shinrin-yoku. But all you have to do is walk a little way off the streets and into the lush greenery of the parks in Singapore.
Where?
With over 300 nature parks and 4 nature reserves in Singapore, rediscover a nature park or reservoir near you. A couple of go-to sites include Windsor Nature Park, MacRitchie Reservoir Park, and Lower Pierce Reservoir Park. Check out NParks’ list of walks and tours for some inspiration.
When?
Start your walk early, ideally between 7 am to 9 am, for cooler temperatures.
How?
- Leave Your Electronics Behind
Leave your mobile phone at home or put it on silent mode. Minimise distractions and let yourself fully immerse in the natural environment. - Walk Slowly and Stop Often
Forest bathing takes place at a slow, almost meditative pace. Take your time and look around as you stroll along on a forest path. You can even sit down if you want to. - Engage Your Senses
Appreciate the scenery surrounding you and listen to the sounds of twittering birds and rustling leaves. Breathe in clean air and the scent of the flowers, and soak in the sights of the textured ground. Touch the rough bark on the trees and feel the leaves. You may be surprised that the food and drinks that you brought into the forest taste different too. Let the stillness around you help you forget the constant motion of the city.
Forest bathing is not limited to forests — look for a place where there are trees and off you go!
For more on forest bathing, here are some recommended reads:
From left to right:
Shinrin-Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing — Yoshifumi Miyazaki | Physical Copy
Forest Therapy: Seasonal Ways to Embrace Nature for a Happier You — Sarah Ivens | Physical Copy, eBook, Audiobook
Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing Power of Nature — M. Amos Clifford | Physical Copy, eBook
Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing — Qing Li | Physical Copy
All books featured are available at our public libraries.
A version of this article was originally published in Time of Your Life, Issue 21.
Time of Your Life is a quarterly magazine specially designed for people aged 50 years old and above. The publication covers topics like health, olden-day Singapore, as well as interesting book reviews by NLB’s librarians. It is available for free online and at our public libraries.
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Text by
Thian Boon Poh
National Library Board
