Finding Calm in the Face of Crisis
“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” – John Muir 
Physical distancing, working from home and self-isolating have become the new norm for Washingtonians. Health officials have called on the general public to flatten the curve of coronavirus spread by opting out of social gatherings and spending more time at home alone, or with family members and roommates. With Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order in place, people are required to remain home for all non-essential trips. Fortunately, spending some time outside falls under the “essential” category!
The Department of Health recommends that everyone covers their coughs and sneezes, avoids touching their faces, and frequently washes their hands for at least 20 seconds. In addition to washing your hands, make sure you’re bathing regularly- nature bathing, that is!
Nature bathing stems from the Japanese practice shinrin-yoku. This meditative practice focuses on slowing down, immersing your senses in a natural, outdoor surrounding and paying attention to these sensations. However, if you’re seeking a more physical experience, walking or jogging is an excellent way to incorporate nature into your new quarantine routine.
Spending time outdoors can alleviate stress and anxiety, allows you to get exercise, and provides an opportunity for you to explore your connection to the natural world. Find trails near you (and make sure to check this list to see if it’s open) to take a break from your indoor quarantine- just make sure to avoid congregating, and keep a 6 foot distance between you and other park-goers. Walking daily has many surprising benefits, including boosting immune function, improving mood and energy levels, and reducing your risk of certain health conditions.
In addition to improving your physical health, spending time in nature is effective for revitalizing mental health. There’s no better place to meditate, clear your mind, refocus your energy, ground yourself, or reframe issues and challenges in your daily life. Flooding your senses with the sights, sounds and scents of nature is enough to alleviate stress and improve physical health– the simple act of inhaling phytoncide, the essential oils secreted by plants and trees, can boost your immune system. In this unprecedented period of physical distancing, we should seek to strengthen connections to nature and to ourselves.
Not sure where to start on your forest bathing journey? Check out this guide to forest bathing, this video explanation by Dr. Qing Li, or this guided forest meditation. You can also join your West Seattle neighbors for Thursday Hikes in the West Duwamish Greenbelt, or venture out further on some nearby hikes (be sure to check out advice from the Washington Trails Association).
Resources for Relaxation
Need to stay indoors? Here’s some wildlife webcams and live-streamed natural areas to get your nature bathing fix.
Explore Nature Live Cam (our personal favorites: Channel Island Kelp Forest, Coral Reef, and Redwood Forest River)
The Hidden Worlds of National Parks
Volunteer Park Conservatory Daily Livestreams