2019

“Let's Go to the Forest” Movement: Power to Body and Spirit

During the autumn and winter months, our airways become more susceptible to various infectious diseases, therefore specialists often recommend walks in the open air. When walking in the woods, people inhale phytoncides - antiviral substances released by plants with anti-bacterial properties that help fight viruses.

Recreation in nature and a walk in the forest is one of the most popular ways to reduce stress after a stressful working week, according to a survey conducted JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM). However, these types of relaxation are by far the most popular among the elderly, while young people prefer to relieve stress by spending time watching TV or exercising. Family Doctor and President of the Latvian Medical Association Ilze Aizsilniece believes that one of the most effective ways to strengthen health is frequent walks in the forest.

“It is our knowledge of maintaining and promoting health and our daily habits that greatly determine our health today and in the future. Walking in the forest and exercising in the fresh air are an indispensable tool for strengthening and improving health,” tells the doctor, noting that today's young people lack understanding of how to take care of their health through natural resources.

Fresh air calms down

The family doctor reminds us that physical activity in the fresh air is an ancient way of improving health. As early as 1000 years ago, Persian physician Avicienna wrote in his book “The Canon of Medicine” that physical activity in the fresh air helps to better absorb, assimilate, and improve the nutrition and metabolism of tissues by increasing the natural internal heat. Exercises in the fresh air cleanse the pores of the skin, remove carbon dioxide from the lungs, strengthen the body, whereas vigorous exercises strengthen the muscles and the nervous system.   

Today's discoveries also prove the importance of relaxing in the open air. The Economist recently published a study that found correlation between the amount of particulate matter or dust in the air and the number of crimes in the area - the dirtier the air, the more crimes committed and the more aggressive people are. That is why Dr. Aizsilniece reminds us that fresh air also has a calming effect: “The main prerequisites for good health are movement, emotional balance, fresh air and a balanced diet, all of which we can find in the woods.”

“Forest bathing” not only in Japan

The therapeutic effect of the forest on the human body and mind is particularly appreciated in Japan. There, walks in the woods are called “shinrin-yoku” or “forest bathing” and are used as a preventive treatment and therapy to help people get rid of stress. Ideally, “forest bathing” is hours-long, slow, pointless walk in the forest, during which electronic devices must be left at home to fully enjoy nature. However, a walk of 20 minutes also has a positive effect on health and well-being.

Japanese scientists have proven that “forest bathing” can help normalize blood pressure, lower stress hormone levels, improve memory and concentration, and strengthen the immune system. Therefore, “shinrin-yoku” therapy was included in the Japanese health care programme in the 1980s and is still popular.

“We can take the example from the Japanese, but certainly we can also learn from our ancestors who spent a lot of time in nature and in the woods. I think that today we often underestimate the fantastic opportunity to go to the forest that everyone in Latvia has. There are not many countries in the world that have such a large forest area where they can move and relax freely,” concludes Dr. Aizsilniece.

As part of its 20th anniversary, JSC “Latvia's State Forests” is implementing the “Let's Go to the Forest” movement, which invites everyone in Latvia to use the recreational opportunity available to everyone - the forest, to take care of their mental and physical health. The aim of the movement is to encourage people in Latvia to take advantage of the wide availability of forests and to invite them to spend their free time healthily and actively outdoors.