One early Saturday morning, I was kayaking alone around the perimeter of Lake Newport. What I failed to realize was that I was “forest bathing,” a term for spending time in nature, disconnecting all technology, slowing our pace of life and reconnecting with the benefits of our natural world.

In the 1980s, Japan noticed increased stress among the population and after research studies, began guided walks through forested areas. The result was lowered blood pressure, raised immunity and less stress.

I noticed a calmness within myself and decided to paddle around and observe as much as I could from the edges of the lake.

According to Cornell University, the air in forests is different because of photosynthesis, reducing carbon dioxide and raising oxygen levels.

The only fish I noticed was the common carp jumping from the water.

One of the lovely trees that grace the shoreline is the Eastern hemlock, a lover of water, and is the perfect place for this stately 40-to-60-foot tree with its half to 1 inch cones hanging down from the end of twigs.

The maple trees were bending their branches close to the water with some leaves skimming the surface. Nearby were a group of red oaks with their alternately lobed leaves waving gently in the breeze. A few fallen branches with dead leaves were poking half out of the water, providing protection for small aquatic animals to both live and hide.

Spying a flash of red, I paddled to a cardinal flower (Lobellia cardinalis) by the shoreline with its slender scarlet spikes. This native flower can be found by stream banks and swamps.

Standing among bushes was the 2-to-4-foot purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), a non-native invasive plant, found by lakes and streams, and also by sides of roads. Two Eastern tiger swallowtails (Papillo glaucus) were on the yellow iris (Iris pseudocorus) found near marshes and streams.

I enjoy observing insects and wasn’t disappointed, but I can name only a few dragonflies and damselflies. Two Eastern amber wings (Perithemis tenera) flitted around each other over a floating log with a small plant that found the perfect place to grow. Darners are easily spotted because of their larger size.

Just sitting quietly on my kayak gave me the opportunity of notice the water striders (Gerrides hemiptera) and marvel at their ability to not break the water surface because of claws and hairs on the bottom of their feet.

I heard the black-capped chickadee and a hawk calling, saw the great blue heron (Ardea Herodias) and the white egret and watched a killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) running around a sandy area where it often lays eggs and raises it young.

The University of Minnesota suggests we find a natural area to spend about 15 to 20 minutes and quietly relax. Without moving, wildlife will become comfortable with your presence.

According to the University of Minnesota, we can hone our observation skills by choosing five things to see, four to touch, three to hear, two to smell and perhaps one to taste. By following “forest bathing,” we learn to appreciate the natural world around us while improving our health.

For more details and a video, go to http://go.osu.edu/forestbathing.

Kane Shipka is an Ohio State University Mahoning County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.