What is Forest Bathing?

You may have heard the term “forest bathing” and wondered what it was all about. While it may sound as though there are lots people heading into the woods with loofahs and shower caps, in reality it’s more of a metaphorical thing – a creative turn-of-phrase akin to sunbathing. The experience is really about basking in nature, soaking in the sights and sounds and fresh air. 

As a term, forest bathing has its origins in Japan. Back in the 1980s, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries came up with a strategy to address rising urban stress and health issues linked to overwork and industrialization. The idea was to help immerse people in nature to enhance health and well-being, and it was incredibly effective. They called the practice Shinrin-yoku, literally “forest bath.” Since that time, forest bathing has become an integral part of preventative medicine in Japan and has spread in popularity throughout the globe. 

People have been practicing forest bathing for years in the U.S., especially on the coasts, but it saw a jump in interest during the Covid-19 pandemic when people were looking for a way to be outside their homes safely. Now it’s become relatively mainstream, at least as an idea.

As a practice, forest bathing resembles a simple walk in the woods. But unlike a hike for adventure or fitness, it focuses less on covering ground and more on cultivating awareness. Participants are encouraged to move slowly, notice sensory details, and reflect on their relationship with the natural world. It can be done alone or in a group setting, and typically involves some or all of the following features.

·      Being in nature – some form of fresh air, vegetation, wildlife, etc. 

·      Slowing down. It’s not about going far or fast, but moving with attention and intention.

·      Somatic experience – engaging the senses.

·      Minimizing distractions by powering down electronic devices.

·      Fostering connection with the world around you. 

And what happens when you do these things? Evidence supporting the beneficial effects of forest bathing have continued to pile up. According to research, benefits may include improved blood pressure, reduced cortisol levels, increased cancer-killing proteins and immune cells, and decreases in depression and anxiety. Not bad for a little walk in the woods. 

If you’re interested in seeing what all the hype is about, give forest bathing a try. Find a park or a trail near you, or just go for a walk in your neighborhood if you’ve got some trees around. Slow down you pace and pay attention to what you notice – the sights and sounds and smells. The sensations on your skin. What stands out to you? What are you drawn to? Relax. Enjoy yourself. 

And if you’d like a more curated experience, consider joining a guided forest bathing session. Guides can offer invitations and prompts to help facilitate deeper engagement with the environment, and discussion with other participants in the group can make the experience even more meaningful. Sign up here for forest bathing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.