The best thing about forest bathing is there is no actual bathing involved. This practice evolved in Japan during a health crisis, it was coined Shinrin Yoku which means to bathe in the atmosphere of the forest or forest bathing. You get to wear your clothes the whole time. 

Since then researchers from Japan and around the world have discovered a host of benefits that arise naturally when you are outside. 

When you participate in a guided forest bathing walk as a team, there are additIonal benefits.

This is one of the only practices that positively impacts physiological and cognitive stress. Physiological benefits include: lower blood pressure, reduced stress, calms the nervous system,  boosts the immune system and instills a feeling of awe and much more. 

It also helps with cognitive stress by restoring focus, attention and memory through soft fascination to things in the environment. This improves critical and creative thinking and decision making.  For those who go out often they report better intuition and the ability to access other ways of knowing.

Lastly, it is great for fostering social connections. Within a guided forest bathing session, everyone will have an option to participate in a few sharing rounds, usually oriented to what they are noticing at the moment. As people become more relaxed, restored and grounded they show up with more authenticity. They have a greater awareness of themselves, others and the world around them. This is needed for co-creation in team environments when you are working together toward a common goal.

Forest bathing is deeply restorative, fun, and accessible for everyone.  Instead of everyone doing prescribed activities, people can choose how they engage, there are parts that are individual and parts that bring the group together. This is perfect for the team who needs some rejuvenation and fun  while enjoying the beauty of Banff, Canmore or Kananaskis.