Life often moves at a relentless pace—filled with back-to-back meetings, packed calendars, and constant pings. In a world that never stops demanding your attention, even a walk in the park can feel like a luxury you can’t afford. But here’s the truth: you can’t afford not to. Self-care isn’t optional- it’s foundational.
What if a simple practice could help you lower stress and anxiety levels, and all it takes is being among some trees? This is where forest bathing makes its debut.
Forest bathing, what is it?
To avoid any confusion, this practice doesn’t involve taking an actual bath in the forest. Forest bathing is a mindfulness practice and sensory experience. It is a practice that invites you to slow down and fully immerse yourself in nature using all five senses to experience the forest environment. By being present in the moment, you awaken to the magic unfolding around you in the forest. Examples of this in action would be spending time observing how the trees intricately sway in the breeze or noticing the pristine quiet of the woods by paying attention to what you hear.
The concept of forest bathing developed in 1982 in Japan, and is known as “Shinrin Yoku,” which translates simply to “forest bathing.” Forest bathing is a common practice in Japan for well-being.
People all around the world have become certified forest bathing guides since this Japanese concept has grown. A certified forest bathing guide will generally follow a standard structure to take you on a journey through a sensory experience in the forest. You’ll be prompted to engage in a sequence of guided activities: beginning to develop your awareness, sharing your experience, observing the forest’s movement, sitting quietly with your surroundings, and closing with a tea ceremony to honor the forest.
What are the benefits of forest bathing?
Research has shown that engaging with nature provides excellent health benefits that include improvements with sleep, lower blood pressure, and a decrease in stress and anxiety levels. Research also shows that exposure to green hues like we see when we visit the forest is shown to be beneficial in reducing blood pressure and heart rate.
Being in a forest environment supports nervous system health. A 2007 study showed forest bathing reduced the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in individuals. Trees emit aromatic compounds, the forest’s natural “essential oils” called phytoncides. They are known as pinene, limonene, and camphene to name a few. Studies show that exposure to forest scents emitted from the trees may offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Ready to try forest bathing yourself? The good news is that no guide is required to experience this practice. A forest bathing guide is a resource who can lead you through the experience using a standard structure, but you can also guide yourself through a forest bathing journey if that suits you better. The positive health benefits you gain is from slowing down and being among the trees. If you can spend as little as 20 minutes per day in nature, that is enough to acquire the health benefits the practice provides. Follow your own prompts of pausing, engaging all 5 senses, and being fully present to the forest around you.
Eager to get your dose of the forest? If so, get out there and bathe in it. The forest is waiting for you.