In a world that moves at lightning speed, the idea of slowing down - really slowing down - feels like a fairly radical act! Forest bathing, or "Shinrin-yoku" as it’s known in Japan where it originated, is exactly that: a practice of immersing yourself in the natural world through all your senses. It’s not a hike, a workout, or a destination-based walk. It’s about presence, pause and quiet connection with the forest.What is Forest Bathing?

Forest bathing simply means spending intentional, unhurried time in nature. The term was coined in the 1980s by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and since then, the practice has been studied extensively for its health benefits. You don’t bathe in water - you “bathe” in the atmosphere of the forest, breathing deeply, observing quietly, and allowing yourself to be immersed in the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of nature.

How to Forest Bathe

1. Find a quiet, natural space - ideally a woodland or forest.
2. Leave your phone behind or turn it to airplane mode.
3. Walk slowly, aimlessly - don’t follow a trail or focus on reaching a point.
4. Stop often. Look up, notice the canopy. Touch the bark. Smell the leaves.
5. Sit. Listen. Breathe. Let your senses guide you, not your schedule.

The key is to go slowly and engage all five senses. It's mindfulness but rooted in nature. You don’t have to meditate, chant, or stretch. Just be.

Why It Works

Science backs what many of us instinctively feel: nature heals. Forest bathing has been shown to lower cortisol (the stress hormone), reduce blood pressure, improve mood, boost immunity, and even enhance focus and creativity. One Japanese study found that spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly lower stress levels.

Forest bathing offers emotional and mental space. In a forest, you’re not expected to reply to emails, keep up with notifications or perform. You can simply be.  

Tips for Making It a Ritual

• Schedule it in - a Sunday morning or midweek escape.
• Go alone or with a quiet companion who respects the silence.
• Try different environments: pine woods, coastal trails, quiet parks.

This isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about doing something essential: reconnecting with the natural world and, in turn, with yourself. You don’t need the perfect forest or fancy gear. Just the willingness to show up and get in the bath!