Forest Bathing Walks & Nature Gatherings

“Forest Bathing” is the translation of the Japanese practice shinrin-yoku, meaning “immersing oneself in the experience of nature through all the senses of the human body.” More specifically, it means to “bath” in the organic compound trees emit in a forest called “phytoncides.” These compounds are a tree’s form of defense against disease. Scientists have proven these compounds also impact and bolster the human immune system.

Spending time in a forest can make us feel better, not just in a subjective sense, but in an objective sense, in the body’s physiological response. In Japan and South Korea, where the study of forest bathing originated and has been more fully developed, walks in nature are a well-regarded, common form of preventative medicine, seen as a vital component of human health.

The best part is that the health effects of being in nature do not require strenuous exercise, extraordinary locations, or expensive gear. You do not need to sit under a tree for a week. Small, regular doses of intentional time outdoors, especially with trees and plants, can have tangible effects on mental and physical health. “Forest bathing” practices can be adapted to any mobility level, age, and landscape.