Take a Dip in Nature: Forest Bathing in Colorado

I took to forest bathing like a duck to water in that it felt like the most, er, natural way to experience time spent in the outdoors. In this article for the AAA EnCompass Traveler Newsletter, I share what it was like to try this hiking alternative and offer ways that you too can sign up with a trained guide to bathe in the forest in Colorado.

“Some practitioners believe that trees are required for true forest bathing, and while there may be some merit to that, the benefits to one’s mind and body seem to come from being in nature and changing your awareness to your surroundings. Many studies have found a decrease in stress hormone levels, a decrease in heart rate, and a decrease in blood pressure after time spent forest bathing. At the same time, there have been documented signs of better moods and increased well-being in scientifically researched studies.

Forest bathing can typically be done by all ages and abilities; however, because of the amount of time required to be patient, quiet, still, and listing for instructions, this activity might not be ideal for young children, who naturally want to run around and use their outside voices rather than stand still and capture the sound of a meadowlark on the wind.”

Click here to read the full article.