As a child, I loved visiting my aunt and uncle’s farm. Little did I realize that those moments were my first encounters with what could be considered forest bathing.
Understanding Forest Bathing
Forest bathing, also known as “shinrin-yoku” began in the 1980s in Japan, when a rapidly industrializing nation found its people to be overworked and overstressed. It’s a practice that involves immersing yourself in a forest setting, engaging all senses to appreciate the natural world around you.
The Benefits of Forest Bathing
Research shows stress reduction, improved mood, enhanced immune function, better cognitive function, and lower blood pressure.
How to Start Forest Bathing
Select a location, slow down, engage your senses, take deep breaths, and unplug from your devices.
Forest Bathing and The Weekend Reset Challenge
Forest bathing is a great addition to your weekend reset and is part of the “Outdoors” part of the COMPASS acronym. Even if you can only get into nature for a few minutes, it will make a huge difference.
Join The Weekend Reset Challenge to get access to weekly guides, including a ton of ideas on how to get outdoors.
Keep reading: Looking for quick ways to get outside right now? Check out 23 Easy Ways to Get Outside This Weekend for ideas that work even on the busiest days. And if you want to understand why nature is so restorative, watch these 5 science-backed videos on nature’s healing power. You might also enjoy combining your outdoor time with movement — read 25 Ways to Move Your Body This Weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest Bathing
What is forest bathing and what does it involve?
Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) is a Japanese wellness practice of spending slow, mindful time in a natural environment — particularly forests. It’s not a hike or exercise; it’s about using all five senses to absorb the atmosphere of the trees. Research from Japan’s Nippon Medical School found it significantly reduces cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure.
How long do you need to forest bathe to get benefits?
Studies show as little as 20 minutes in nature begins to lower stress hormones. A 2-hour forest bathing session produces the most robust immune-boosting effects, including increased natural killer (NK) cell activity. Even a short walk through a park or green space counts.
Do you need an actual forest to try forest bathing?
No. While forests offer the most documented benefits — partly due to phytoncides, the antimicrobial compounds released by trees — any green, natural space can offer similar effects. A local park, a river walk, a garden, or even sitting under a tree in your backyard all engage the same restorative mechanisms.
Is forest bathing the same as hiking?
No — they’re quite different. Hiking is goal-oriented and physically demanding. Forest bathing is intentionally slow. You meander, pause, sit, breathe, and notice. The goal is sensory immersion, not distance covered or calories burned.
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