Dear Diary, 

Today I did the impossible - I left my phone at home. gasp. The skin on my hand has practically grown around my phone at this point, and the entire day I checked my pockets, my purse, my bra, with the same sudden drop in the pit of my stomach. OMG where is my phone! Of course as I stressed in the lobby of the hotel, the train, and wherever I needed to know the time or where the hell I was walking to, I told myself this is all part of the process. Don't get me wrong, I love nature, but spending the day outside without constant global contact created some anxiety. 

And I know what you’re going to say, um Maria, isn't that the point of forest bathing? Well, technically there are no rules, but the point is to boost your health with some one-on-one time with Mother Nature. Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku as they call it in Japan, is all about chilling in nature, soaking up those forest vibes, and letting Mother Nature work her magic on you. It's like a spa day for your soul, but without the cucumber water and fluffy robes. Unless you bring that along, of course. 

But me? Nope, I brought nothing but myself, a backpack, water bottle, matcha KitKats, Hello Kitty lip balm, ibuprofen, my phone charger, cake in a can, and well, let's just leave it at that. The important thing is that I take the time to prioritize my health - mental, physical, spiritual - and get in tune with all of my senses. Because part of forest bathing is not just to ease your mind, but to become more connected with the natural world. 

But, diary, this isn't exactly a new concept. Forest bathing has been a thing that doctors can prescribe to their patients in Japan since the 1980’s. And now there is even scientific evidence to back up its therapeutic benefits. Worried about your blood pressure? Go outside. Feeling the anxiety of everyday life? Find some trees and just breathe. Take my word for it, letting go and just being present in nature helped me feel more at peace in my life and is something I will definitely go home and force my doctor to prescribe for me. 

Okay, diary, I'm signing off for now. But who knows what other surprises Japan has in store for me? Stay tuned!

Xoxo,

Maria