Experience nature - forest bathing and mushroom picking

Moving, switching off and relaxing - nowhere is this easier than in nature. Connecting with nature on regular outings is balm for body, mind and soul. So it's best to get out into the forest. Especially now in autumn, the forest is beautiful, when the leaves rustle underfoot, the forest smells spicy and of mushrooms, and its leaves glow in vibrant shades of yellow and orange. A true firework for all the senses. Being in the forest isn't really a big deal, is it? We say it is! Because in addition to fun, it also brings health benefits. That's why so-called forest bathing is even a recognized stress management method in Japan..

Forest bathing - Shirin Yoku

Forest bathing - yet another trend from Japan for stressed city dwellers? Not by a long shot: Japanese scientists have been conducting research since the 1970s and have proven that spending time in the forest has a positive effect on health. It turned out that the essential oils of the forest, the so-called terpenes, have a great influence on our body. Terpenes are substances that trees and other plants secrete to exchange messages among themselves. The goal here is to ward off pests, fungi and bacteria, for example, by attracting beneficial insects and taking care of the pest infestation or to warn other trees of pests so that they ramp up their biochemical protection mechanisms.

Effect of terpenes on body and mind

We absorb these terpenes through our breath and skin during a walk in the forest. They strengthen our defenses, because while we are in the forest, our immune system ramps up and we produce more white blood cells. After a forest bath, there are about 50 percent more than before. After such a walk in the forest, the white blood cells are also active longer than normal and can thus fight pathogens more effectively. Forest bathing is therefore particularly useful in the fall to get the immune system fit for the coming cold and flu season.

How to bathe in the forest?

Forest bathing is not about consuming nature, but about understanding yourself as part of nature. It works best when you breathe quietly and deeply, passively and meditatively spending time in nature. It's also best to turn off your cell phone to avoid outside distractions. This way you can better focus on your inner self and the current moment in the forest.

Not exciting enough? Let's go mushroom picking!

If you prefer to be a little more active or with the family, you can also look for delicious mushrooms in the forest. Mushroom picking is a great nature experience, where you still have something at home. In the form of an aromatic mushroom dish or dried mushrooms. Boletus, porcini, hollyhock or oyster mushrooms - there is almost nothing standing in the way of a gourmet meal from the forest. Because the top priority when picking mushrooms is to only pick what you really know! Even new apps for identifying mushrooms offer no real assurance that no poisonous mushroom will end up in the basket. If you don't have any knowledge, you can certainly find a guided mushroom hike in your area on the Internet or take your finds to an expert before eating them. Many municipalities and counties offer their advice at a mushroom advisory center during the mushroom season.

You can easily store your finds in one of our storage boxes until you are ready to process them.

What you need for a day in the forest

To spend the day in the forest, you do not need much, but a few things can make the day more pleasant. In any case, you should wear sturdy shoes when walking over sticks, stones and roots. For an autumn day in the forest, you should also pack hot drinks to warm up a little in between. In our insulated bottles tea, coffee or cocoa stay wonderfully warm for up to eight hours. Speaking of warm: In addition to warm clothing, an insulated seat can't hurt if you want to take a break and enjoy the silence and smells of the forest in peace and quiet.