Forest Bathing

Yellow pines and saw grass at Graham Creek

Graham Creek Nature Preserve can offer you a satisfying walk in the woods. The Japanese have a word for “forest bathing.” It’s shinrin-yoku, and it means to lose yourself in the forest while enjoying the air, the scents, sounds, vegetation and animals.

The practice of walking through the woods and taking in the beauty of this habitat offers fresh air and exercise, which are very good for your health. It also naturally reduces stress. And there is science behind it! Researchers at the Kyoto University in Japan found that the scents of cedar and cypress trees actually decrease levels of the cortisol stress hormone.

Doctors in Wales urge people to take a walk in the forest as a natural health benefit to combat conditions from obesity to stress.

Also, you can be truly present within your body out in the woods, away from distractions. It’s a great opportunity to untether yourself or spend some quiet moments with walking partner.

The trails are all pretty flat, and you can walk as long as you like. Trails are all color coded and trail brochures are available at the interpretive center. So get out there and do some shinrin-yoku!

The City of Foley’s Graham Creek Nature Preserve Interpretive Center is at 23030 Wolf Bay Drive in Foley, Alabama.