Unplug In Nature
October 25, 2017
Glendorn’s 1500-acre property, bordering the Allegheny National Forest, is a gift any season of the year, but it is especially beautiful with all the Fall colors. A walk in the forest along one of our many designated trails is an adventure in itself. And more and more studies are showing the proven health benefits. Heard of the term “forest bathing”?
Whether for 20 minutes or 2 hours, a leisurely walk or quicker-paced hike in the Glendorn forest is the perfect antidote to the stress built up from a busy schedule at home.
In fact, the practice of “forest bathing” is gaining traction in the U.S. The name is borrowed from the translation of the Japanese term “shinrin-yoku” which means “immersing in the forest atmosphere”, a government supported movement in Japan, where it has been a movement since the early 80’s.
According to an August 2017 CNN article, the Japanese have managed forests to help citizens relax and reduce stress—and scientists have measured the results.
Studies have shown that within 15 minutes of being in nature, stress level goes down, and heart rate, and blood pressure improves.
“If you’re in nature longer, you can feel less depressed, less anxious. And if you’re in nature for a few days, you have much increased creativity and cognitive ability,” said Dr. Nooshin Razani, quoted in the article. And she adds, there’s another big payoff: “Over the course of a lifetime,” she said, “being in nature can lead to less heart disease, as well as improvements in how long people can live.”
If the lure of the Fall colors wasn’t enough to motivate you to take a walk in our forest, the proven health benefits might be! Many of our guests love to start their day this way, before breakfast. The fresh air is at once relaxing and energizing. Pick up a map at the front desk with markings of all the trails. Along your path, you’ll notice various trees tagged with information about their species should you be interested to know. We can also arrange for a guide to take you out if that’s preferred over a self-directed walk.
If you’re extra-adventurous, you can head all the way up to Conglomeration Castle where you’ll be treated to some of the best vistas in Pennsylvania.