For a few years now, we have seen an increase in mental health problems among young people. To address these, there is now more research focused on natural solutions: both to soothe and support the well-being of children. And among these solutions, we find forest bathing. What does this practice consist of? What are the real benefits for young people's mental health? Find out more about this experience in this article!
The benefits of forest bathing for children's mental health
Reduced stress and anxiety
More and more, children are confronted with stress . This can be due to school, activities or even screens that are an integral part of everyday life today. For this, forest bathing offers a real natural environment that can soothe the nervous system and reduce the level of cortisol (stress hormone) present in the body. It has also been shown by studies that children who spend time in the forest are less anxious and have a better ability to relax than others. Thus, regularly integrating outings in the forest allows young people to better manage their stress , but also to refocus on themselves .
Improved mood and self-confidence
It is known that natural environments help to promote positive emotions . As a result, in a setting that includes trees, birds and above all calm, a child generally feels a sense of inner peace and a better mood . It has been shown that this feeling of freedom and space allows children to feel more confident and to explore their abilities without fear of judgment . This is particularly true through the sensory experiences offered by nature : smelling fresh grass, watching leaves move in the wind, touching the raw bark of trees, observing animals, etc.
The development of creativity and imagination
Nature is also known to be a perfect setting to stimulate children's imagination . Indeed, unlike urban environments in which we often find various rules and constraints, the forest encourages children to explore and observe everything around them. This then gives free rein to their imagination . And this stimulation contributes to the development of their creativity , essential for their growth. Far from modern distractions and immersed in a limitless environment, their imagination can unfold freely.
The physiological and psychological mechanisms behind forest bathing
An influence on the nervous system
Forest bathing is a practice that will directly influence the nervous system , in particular by acting on the parasympathetic system , responsible for relaxation and recovery. This mainly results in a slower heart rate , lower blood pressure and a lower cortisol level . These effects will then participate in the development of a feeling of deep relaxation , which lasts even after going out into the forest. Thus, just spending time in nature, in a green and healthy environment, can lead to calming and better resilience in the face of stress.
A connection between mind and body
Nature has effects on both the mind and the body . In fact, research shows that exposure to natural environments can improve mental health through physiological mechanisms . For example, phytoncides, organic compounds emitted by trees, help strengthen the immune system and have a relaxing effect on the brain. Thus, this connection between the body and mind allows children to experience complete and lasting well-being .
The role of forest bathing in children's social development
Improved social skills
As mentioned above, the forest is an environment in which children are freer than in urban or school environments. They can interact without too many constraints . On the contrary, they are encouraged here to explore and share their discoveries . Thus, these simple interactions help to promote the development of their social skills , such as empathy or helping each other to solve problems. Nature is in fact a real social learning space for children.
An increase in resilience
Like any other setting, nature also has its share of small challenges to overcome : slightly uneven paths, stones to avoid, holes to dodge, trees to climb. These experiences encourage children to overcome obstacles and to think about the best way to do so . This helps to strengthen their resilience and develop their adaptive skills , essential qualities for managing stress and difficult situations throughout their lives. In addition, overcoming obstacles in the forest generally generates greater self-confidence in children.
Some practices and advice
Examples of child-friendly activities
Today, there are many ways to integrate forest bathing into children's daily lives. To guide you, here is a list of ideas that are both simple and accessible:
- Family hikes : wherever you are, there are always hikes of varying difficulty and length to do! Jump at the chance, because hiking along forest trails is an effective way to spend time in nature while strengthening family ties.
- Discovery games : to make a trip to the forest more fun, you can encourage children to observe the fauna and flora by organizing small observation games. For example, look for different colors in nature or make a game of objects (leaves, stones, etc.) to find.
- Relaxation sessions : a final interesting practice, but not necessarily easy for children, can be the simple act of sitting in the middle of the forest and listening to the surrounding noises or breathing deeply in the middle of the forest.
And tips for safe and beneficial practice
Now that you have some ideas for activities to introduce children to forest bathing, here are some tips to help you make the most of the benefits of this practice in complete safety:
- Supervising children : The first essential point is simply the supervision of children. It is indeed important to supervise the youngest to prevent them from getting hurt or lost.
- Choose safe places : to avoid any accidents, opt for marked trails or parks known for their safety.
- Observe and respect nature : Finally, it is also essential to teach children to respect their environment and preserve nature. This involves things such as avoiding picking plants or disturbing animals.
Conclusion
Finally, it can be said that forest bathing offers many benefits for children's mental health: stress reduction, improved mood, increased self-confidence, development of creativity, connection between body and mind, strengthening of social skills, but also increased resilience. So what are you waiting for to put on your shoes, head to the nearest forest, and offer your children a moment of tranquility and freedom in the middle of nature?
