Today's children, like their parents, live in a fast-paced environment and are being trained for this lifestyle. We are part of an information society constantly following the latest news at work and in our social lives. Despite the many advantages of easy access to technology and information, it's easy to get lost, paradoxically, without leaving our computer. Forest bathing, a complete immersion in nature, is the solution.
Contents:Yet, humans are part of the world beyond the screen, a slow-paced world, flowing with the rhythm of the seasons, full of mystery, depth, and peace. Cutting ourselves off from nature disrupts our inner harmony, preventing us from experiencing peace, being present in the here and now, and simply enjoying the outdoors and physical activity. Therefore, it's worth not only occasionally but often turning off the computer, putting down the phone, and heading into the forest with our children.
Word has it that joy begins in the forest
The forest is a mysterious place, silently traversed by its inhabitants. Enormous trees towering overhead, thickets obscured by our gaze. All this intrigues and remains an unexplored mystery. Yet the forest inspires no fear and invariably attracts young and old. We intuitively know that it is our original home, providing shelter and sustenance when needed. Everything in the forest is magical. Familiar and unknown at the same time. Surprising creatures hidden in the forest floor, giant animals leisurely traversing familiar paths, and birds inhabiting the treetops. All creatures, along with plants, create an incredible ecosystem filled with peace and harmony. And we become a part of it by entering the thicket. Discover how to take advantage of this generous hospitality to recharge with energy, peace, and regain harmony.
4 unique books about the forest
Forest bathing - We immerse ourselves in nature
The concept of Shinrin-yoku forest bathing was born forty years ago in Japan. This therapeutic practice allows us to absorb the forest with all our senses, calms and cleanses the body and mind, and is the perfect remedy for the lack of nature in our lives. To fully benefit from "forest immersion," we don't take our phones with us on a walk, or turn them off. The walk should be slow and intentional. The forest shouldn't be a backdrop for our conversations (especially about problems), but the main character. However, with children, there's no need to overdo it. Children absorb nature very naturally, and the forest is their best playground. So, if a child chooses to climb a tree instead of hugging it, let them do so. However, it's also worth introducing children to alternative forest experiences and talking about its benefits for a healthy body and mind. Discover the impact nature has on a child's development. 
We hug the trees and the trees hug us
Hugging trees sounds like a joke until you try it. This simple activity is incredibly calming and connects you with nature. Perfect for relieving the blues and hyperactivity, it's useful for both children and adults. Physical contact with a plant we don't normally have the opportunity to communicate with allows children to understand that flora, though unlike us, is also a living being. This discovery will help develop empathy and sensitivity for non-human beings in children. 
Exercise 1 - Tree Conversation. Have each child and parent choose their favorite tree. Embrace the plant and hold it for 5 minutes. Inspire a feeling of gratitude and affirmation for nature and all its gifts. Have each child quietly whisper personal, warm words to a specific tree. For example, you could thank it for its beautiful autumn leaves or summer shade, or ask what it's like to be so tall. 
Walking is a remedy for all problems
Sometimes you have to get lost to find yourself. A slow walk through the forest without a destination or GPS is therapy for our racing mind. Great composers like Beethoven and Nietzsche loved such walks. Thanks to them, a busy mind finds peace, resetting intrusive thoughts and the dead ends of unproductive deliberations. A leisurely walk recharges our creativity and energy reserves. The mind, like the body, cannot constantly race at full speed. In the forest, we are not bombarded with information constantly flowing from billboards and the internet. Nature does not compete for our attention. Despite physical activity, the body and mind rest, and after returning from the forest, we have many more ideas and solutions to existing problems. Exercise 2 - Sense of Touch . On a sunny day, try a barefoot walk. First, collect various natural treasures from the forest and create a sensory path. Leaves, bark, pine cones, or moss will be the next steps in the route. Take off your shoes and experience the sensation of stepping on different textures. Head to the forest to search for natural treasures. 
Exercise 3 - Calm Down: Take a family walk in the forest. Don't bring your phones. Spend part of the walk wandering in silence. The time should be adapted to the age and abilities of the children, from 5 to 30 minutes for the most persistent. Try to focus your thoughts on the here and now, on your steps, your breath, and your heartbeat. If everyday problems keep returning to your consciousness, focus your attention on observing the forest, for example, the colors and textures of the bark. Forest bathing and healthy breathing
Not everyone realizes that by going on a simple forest walk, we're embarking on an exclusive aromatherapy session. The power of trees isn't magic, but rather the scientifically proven properties of nature. It turns out that trees produce essential oils, which have anti-cancer properties, among other things. Of course, it goes without saying that forest air is cleaner than city air. But did you know that it's also antibacterial and antifungal? A forest walk is therefore ideal for boosting your immunity and taking care of your health on many levels.
Close your eyes and listen to the forest stories
To engage your sense of hearing during forest bathing, it's worth stopping and turning off all other senses. The soothing sounds of the forest are like an ASMR session. They calm, soothe, have a positive effect on stress, and improve sleep problems. The forest has a positive effect on emotional and mental problems. It helps with the blues and supports the treatment of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. It helps alleviate all sleep problems and stress symptoms.
Exercise 4 - What the Willows Are Whispering About: Lie on the ground and close your eyes (a picnic blanket is useful in summer, and a winter suit in winter). Focus your attention solely on the sounds of the forest. Take your time, allowing both your body and mind to sink into the forest floor. Feel the earth and your weight on it. The rustling of the trees and the singing of the birds will soothe your senses and induce deep relaxation.
Forest Bathing - Open Your Eyes to the Invisible
To unleash your creativity and creative energy, it's worth shifting your perspective and literally transporting yourself to another reality. How literally, you ask? Simple! In the forest, the microcosm is at your fingertips, though you have to lean into it a bit. Find out how else to use autumn leaves .
Exercise 5 - Observing Another Reality. During your walk, stay in one spot for a while. Designate a small area, approximately 1 meter in diameter, and focus your attention solely on that spot. Children will be surprised to discover how many previously invisible things are happening in such a small area. Observation alone is enough, but if you're interested, little ones can also write or draw their observations in a sketchbook, allowing them to notice even more details.
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