What is Forest Bathing and how to get started? - by Helen Cooper

Wild swimmer, therapist and Forest Bathing & Nature Connection Guide Helen Cooper explores how the principles of Forest Bathing can deepen our experience of outdoor swimming. Challenging the idea that “immersion” is only about cold water, Helen shares how slowing down, engaging the senses and consciously connecting with nature can enhance wellbeing – wherever and however you swim.

When wild swimmers think about ‘immersion’ what generally springs to mind are those initial breath-stealing seconds of dunking your nether regions, shoulders or head under the water - without swearing!  But upon becoming a Forest Bathing and Nature Connection Guide, the word took on a whole new meaning for me.  Many people mistakenly think that Forest ‘Bathing’ involves water, but what it alludes to is the art of becoming one with nature. And I can’t think of anything better than combining both.

For me the whole point of wild swimming is to get away from the mad hustle and bustle of modern life and deepen my connections with Mother Nature.  A world of deep fresh water, wild wavy seas or babbling brooks and waterfalls – all surrounded by big skies, green hills and wildlife.  Whether it’s a long, head-down swim in summer or a quick dip in the middle of winter I always take time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me.  I’m incredibly lucky to live in the stunning Highlands of Scotland where ‘getting away from it all’ is much easier than more built up areas, but even if your outdoor swim spot is in the middle of town there are a few easy steps you can take to enjoy the health-giving benefits of Nature Immersion.

Scientific studies in both Japan and the UK have proven that switching off analytical thinking and fully engaging your senses in appreciation of the natural world can help reduce stress, normalise blood pressure and promote wellness.  Breathing in pine scented forest air, or an ozone laden sea breeze, absorbing negative ions produced by moving water, looking at natural fractal patterns of plants, listening to birdsong and enjoying the myriad of colours of green are all life hacks to better health.While swimming I often watch the patterns of light and ripples playing on the water.  I find this especially beneficial when that monkey chatter brain refuses to switch off.  I also have a fascination of clouds.  Ever changing, always beautiful, especially at sunrise or sunset when they reflect the light of the golden hour, so the sky and water look on fire.  And when those calm clear days give us a watery mirror, I while away time watching the reflections, especially in autumn when the trees give us their best bright hues. 

Here are a few ideas to help you get started with Forest Bathing:

• Agree with your swim buddies to take some ‘quiet time’ during your meet up.  To leave the chatter behind and quietly contemplate the beauty of your surroundings.  You can set a 5 or 10 minute timer if you like when nobody speaks and you just be. 

• Arrive at your swim spot a few minutes early to sit alone and breathe.  Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you – the lapping water or the rush of waves, birds calling or the buzz of insects.  Feel the wind on your face and hear the rustle of leaves in the trees.

• While walking to your venue - slow right down. Dawdle, bimble, trundle, looking not just down at your feet but at everything around you.  Try and find things you’ve never noticed before; a knot on a tree, a leaf with jewels of dew, grass growing through a crack in the path.  Remember to look up too!  At the clouds, the branches overhead or the colour of the sky.  Really take in every minute detail but don’t try and identify anything, just really look.  Appreciate the colours, textures and shapes.

• Find an object to be your nature friend.  An unusually shaped stone, a colourful leaf, a shiny acorn, a beautiful shell, a gnarly twig.  Hold it in your hand and really explore how it feels.  Try and imagine its journey to you today.  Keep it in your pocket for when you need a boost later that day, week, year.

I know many of you will already have a love of the natural environment.  Wild swimmers usually do.  But I hope this gives you the incentive to delve deeper into your appreciation and connection with nature, enhancing your swim adventures and boosting both your mental and physical health.If it’s something that resonates with you why not book an actual Forest Bathing session with your local Nature Connection Guide?  Many, including myself, offer regular sessions or bespoke packages for small groups, so reach out to your local guide today.

Written by Helen Cooper - Founder of My Wellness Connected and Adventure Shenanigans

Helen is a therapist, teacher, swimmer of wild waters, and founder of My Wellness Connected and Adventure Shenanigans. For over two decades, Helen has supported people through hands-on therapies that relieve pain, ease stress, and restore balance. Away from the treatment room, she runs Adventure Shenanigans that supply badges to the wild swimming community to celebrate their love of nature, movement, and laughter – and the simple pleasure of getting outdoors.