"Forest bathing," or Shinrin-yoku as it is known in Japan is becoming a popular way for people to disconnect from the stress that technology brings into daily life.
The Wilderness Awareness School set up an 'Unplug and Recharge in Nature Day,' inviting employees from major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon. The kinds of people who take part in forest bathing often note that they are inundated with over 10,000 emails each day, spend up to 18 hours online each day and in some cases, even experience physical symptoms from stress, such as itchy hives.
The Wilderness Awareness School's retreat takes place over a stretch of 40 acres of forest area. After doing away with the distractions of technology, some of the rituals inside the forest include playing games like "blindfolded ninja" to sharpen one's senses and connection to the natural world.
Rejuvenating Forest Retreats
This Wilderness Awareness School Event Encourages 'Forest Bathing'
Trend Themes
1. Forest Bathing - Opportunity for wellness retreats and outdoor experiences that promote nature immersion and stress reduction.
2. Tech Detox - Opportunity for companies to offer programs and events that encourage employees to unplug from technology and reconnect with nature.
3. Nature Connection - Opportunity for organizations to create experiences and educational programs that help individuals develop a deeper bond with the natural world.
Industry Implications
1. Wellness Retreats - Wellness resorts and retreat centers can offer forest bathing experiences and promote the benefits of nature immersion for stress reduction.
2. Corporate Wellness - Companies specializing in corporate wellness programs can provide forest bathing events as a way to help employees disconnect from technology and improve overall well-being.
3. Environmental Education - Educational institutions and organizations focused on environmental education can incorporate forest bathing into their curriculum and workshops to foster a stronger connection between individuals and nature.