Deep in the woods, we find enhanced fitness, accelerated healing, increased mental focus, and improved biological responses to reducing stress and disease. Groundbreaking scientific research has found that trees and plants emit airborne compounds called phytoncides. These compounds have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, and when inhaled, they simulate white blood cells to produce cells that fight against disease. In Japan, they call this shinrin-yoku or forest bathing.
What exactly is forest bathing? Per TIME Magazine, forest bathing is “bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses.” It isn’t an outdoor activity like riding your horse through Hitchcock Woods or even attending one of the summer concert series in the gardens. It’s a quieter, more relaxed activity where you leave behind your phone and your camera, turn off all outside distractions, and simply allow for your senses to experience the outdoors.
Two of our favorite places in Aiken to go to experience nature are Hitchcock Woods and Hopelands Gardens. Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the entire country, is filled with over 70 miles of trails that you can enjoy by hoof, by foot, or by bike. The key with forest bathing though is that you’ll need to sit down and experience nature silence, so we suggest exploring the woods by foot so that once you find the perfect spot, you can easily sit down and settle in for a few peaceful moments. Take a deep breath and breathe in everything that nature has to offer your senses.
In Hopelands Gardens, you can walk down one of the pathways until you find a secluded corner of the garden where you can retreat from the outside world to allow for you senses to fully explore the gardens. Breathe in the fresh, floral scent of the flowers that are blooming all around you. Listen to the low buzz of the bumblebees as they flit from flower to flower and the chirping of the birds. Reach out and feel the leaves of the ivy growing all around you.
The key to forest bathing is finding a spot that’s just right for you. Where are your favorite spots to experience nature in Aiken? We’d love to see your photos! Tag us in your forest bathing adventures this summer on social media by tagging @thewillcox and #thewillcox.
Read more about forest bathing in Time Magazine’s article here.
