Discover the Calming Power of Forest Bathing: A Natural Way to Relieve Stress

In the non-stop hustle of my workday, it often feels like I’m constantly “on.” With up to eight meetings daily—juggling internal needs and client calls—the pressure is relentless.

I had to find ways to decompress, to peel away the layers of stress and reconnect with the person underneath. Basically, I had to find ways to keep myself sane.

Fortunately, a serene nature park is just a five-minute walk from my home. I escape there during lunch, winding around the pond, weaving through the trees, and soaking in the calm—all within 20 minutes.

I love this park. It isn’t huge, so it doesn’t feel like a big commitment when I go. There’s a pond where I’ve seen ducks, herons, and even a turtle. I listen to the birds and insects.

I can fully immerse myself in nature, even if it’s only for 10 minutes at a time.

I realize it’s a privilege to live close to a park and to have a job where my lunch break is an hour long—mine to spend as I please. It’s even a privilege to have the ability to move my body in this way. But if you can fit this practice into your day before, during, or after work, you’ll discover the huge impact it can have on your life.

Each time I leave that park, I’m not just stepping out of nature—I’m stepping back into a clearer, calmer version of myself. There’s a profound reason for this transformation.

The Stress-Busting Power of Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku as it’s called in Japan, is more than just a walk in the woods. It’s a mindful, immersive experience where you slow down and let nature do its magic.

Picture yourself strolling through a peaceful forest, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells around you. No rush—just pure presence.

What’s cool about this practice is that it isn’t just about feeling good in the moment—there’s solid science backing it up. A UK study of nearly 20,000 participants found that just 120 minutes a week spent in nature significantly boosts health and well-being. It’s like nature’s prescription for stress. So next time you are feeling stressed, consider taking a little trip to the trees. 

How to Make the Most of Forest Bathing

There’s no downside to walking, but if you can root your walk in nature, it can provide additional benefits to your mind, body, and soul. Here are a few tips to make the most of your time in nature:

• Ditch the technology: I know it can be difficult to disconnect, but for 20 minutes, challenge yourself to skip the podcast, audiobook, phone call, and music.
• Walk with company or without: Your choice! You can walk alone and be deep in your feels, or you can choose to walk with a friend, family member, child, or colleague. Either way, forest bathing works!
• Take time to notice new things: A mindfulness recommendation I heard a few years ago was to notice something new every day. As you walk, try to notice a new bird call, a new plant or flower, a new animal, or a path you hadn’t seen before. This helps you immerse yourself in the moment rather than thinking about the stressors in your life.
• Remember gratitude: Living a life of gratitude has so many potential benefits: improved mental health, enhanced emotional resilience, plus increased happiness and motivation. It can even rewire your brain over time to be more positive. During your walk, remind yourself of what you’re grateful for, starting with the nature around you.

Incorporating this practice into your routine, even if it’s just once or twice a week, can create a ripple effect in your life—enhancing your focus, boosting your creativity, and improving your overall mood. The simple act of reconnecting with nature, away from the constant buzz of technology, is a reminder that life doesn’t have to be lived at full speed all the time.

In the chaos of daily life, those brief moments in nature aren’t just a break—they’re a vital reset, a way to reconnect with what truly matters. That simple walk through the park has become my sanctuary, a way to reset, reconnect, and remind myself of what really matters.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or “always on” like I often do, consider giving forest bathing a try. It doesn’t require a lot of time, and you don’t need a massive forest to feel the benefits. Just find a little slice of nature, leave your phone behind, and let the world slow down for a while.

Why not try it for yourself? Find a nearby green space, carve out just 10 minutes this week, and let nature work its quiet magic. Share your journey with me in the comments—let’s inspire each other to find calm in the chaos and reconnect with the simple joys that nature brings.

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