Member-only story
These days it seems everyone is looking for new ways to de-stress and boost mental health. While practices like mindfulness, yoga and journaling offer benefits, there’s one lesser known wellness trend that can work wonders: forest bathing.
This Japanese ritual essentially means immersing in nature intentionally to soak up its restorative properties.
And science confirms even a short walk through the woods can lower blood pressure, anxiety, stress hormones and more.
The Japanese Practice of ‘Shinrin-Yoku’
First pioneered in Japan in the 1980s, shinrin-yoku translates to “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing.”
It began as a preventative health measure to counter lifestyle diseases as Japanese work culture became more stressful and people spent less time outdoors.
Scientists found spending mindful time among greenery had significant mental and physical perks that couldn’t be replicated indoors.
It became an established wellness practice, even covered under Japan’s national health program. Research on the biochemical effects continues today.
