Forest Therapy
Shinrin-Yoku
Photo header by Alexandre Debiève on Unsplash
Forest Therapy / Shinrin-Yoku
Shinrin-yoku, also known as 'forest bathing,' is a Japanese practice that involves immersing yourself in nature. It's a way to relax, slow down, and connect with the natural world. Additionally, 'forest bathing' has several health benefits. In the #Limburgsepeel area, three routes have been created.
Health Benefits
Studies have shown that 'forest therapy' can help lower blood pressure, slow down heart rate, reduce stress levels, and strengthen the immune function. It can also help improve mood, boost creativity, and enhance concentration. Forest bathing is more than just a walk in the woods; it's a profound experience that stimulates your senses and helps reduce stress.
Without a mobile phone or gadgets.
To experience 'forest bathing' in its purest form, turn off your phone. If you're wearing a smartwatch, it will still record the data, and you can view the final results later.
What do you definitely bring
- Outdoor cushion to sit on
- Small towel
- Water
- Enough time
Forest Therapy and Citta Slow
The municipality of Peel en Maas, where the trails have been created, belongs to a Citta Slow municipality. A Cittaslow municipality focuses on quality of life and community spirit. They have embraced the initiative of the Forest Bathing Trail, granted a subsidy, and encouraged it.
The Bosbadenpad (The Forest Therapy) Foundation
The Bosbadenpad Foundation encourages people in awareness and positive health. The Foundation has ANBI status, meaning it is a recognized public benefit organization. The trails have been fully funded through a subsidy from the Peel en Maas municipality and a crowdfunding campaign. In the future, the foundation hopes to expand the network of Forest Bathing Trails.
Forest Therapy Trail Meijel
Forest Therapy Trail Meijel It has a distance of 8.5 kilometers. Starting point is the end of Rijtakker (woodland edge) junction 15. At the beginning of each hike, there's a signpost with directions. The trail follows junction points; write them down in advance or download the route. Without using a phone or other gadgets, all your senses are stimulated during forest bathing.
Forest Therapy Trail Helden 1
Forest Therapy Trail Helden 1 has a distance of 5.5 kilometers. The starting point is at restaurant Op d'n Berg, junction 28. The advice for this route is also to turn off your mobile phone. During forest bathing, all your senses are stimulated. At the beginning, there's a mushroom sign with an indication and junction 28.
Forest Therapy Trail Helden 2
Forest Therapy Trail Helden 2 has a distance of 6.5 kilometers. The starting point is at the Heldense Bossen parking lot, junction 23. The mobile phone is turned off because you're going to enjoy a stress-free walk, and all your senses are stimulated during this journey.
