Forest Bathing: How Nature Restores Your Body and Mind
There’s something deeply human about stepping into a forest. The air feels different, your breathing slows, and the noise of everyday life fades away. For centuries, people have known instinctively that being in nature is good for us. Today, science is catching up — and it turns out this simple act, now called forest bathing, can profoundly support our immune system, stress levels, and overall wellbeing.
What Is Forest Bathing?
Originating in Japan as Shinrin-yoku (literally “forest bath”), this practice isn’t about exercise or hiking. It’s about immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest — walking slowly, breathing deeply, and simply being present. Think of it as a reset for your nervous system.
The Science: How Trees Boost Immunity
Trees don’t just give us oxygen — they actively communicate with their environment by releasing phytoncides, antimicrobial compounds that protect them from insects and disease. When we breathe in these natural chemicals, our bodies respond too.
In a landmark study, Li et al. (2007) found that forest bathing significantly increased natural killer (NK) cell activity — immune cells that help fight infections and even target cancerous cells. Remarkably, these immune benefits can last for days after a single visit to the forest.
And the effects don’t stop there. Time in the forest has been shown to lower cortisol (our primary stress hormone), reduce blood pressure, and improve sleep — a trifecta of benefits for long-term health.
Scientific findings like these echo the lived experiences of people such as Dean Hall, who was diagnosed with chronic leukemia and later lymphoma. Instead of surrendering entirely to a sterile hospital setting, he chose to immerse himself in nature — walking, paddling rivers, and breathing in the forest daily. Against the odds, Dean reported a complete remission of his lymphoma.
His case is anecdotal and not “proof” that nature cures cancer, but it illustrates a powerful truth: research and lived experience both point to the same conclusion — that immersing ourselves in nature can profoundly influence immune function, stress regulation, and the body’s innate capacity to heal.
Why It Matters
In modern life, many of us are disconnected from the natural environments our bodies evolved in. Artificial light, constant noise, and high stress all strain our nervous and immune systems. Reconnecting with nature isn’t just pleasant — it’s a biological need.
Bringing It Into Your Life
The beauty of forest bathing is that it doesn’t require any special tools or training. It’s about slowing down and letting the forest meet you where you are.
Find a quiet patch of trees — a forest, park, or even a garden with tall greenery.
Leave distractions behind, or put your phone on silent.
Walk slowly, noticing what you see, hear, smell, and feel.
Pause often to breathe deeply and let your body settle.
If you can, spend a couple of hours. But even 20 minutes surrounded by trees can shift your nervous system and boost your resilience.
Sev’s Final Thoughts
We tend to look for healing in complicated places — supplements, quick fixes, the next big wellness trend. But sometimes, it’s as simple as standing among the trees.
In Greece, the ancient healing sanctuaries of Asklepieia were often built in nature — surrounded by forests, springs, and fresh air — because even then, it was understood that the environment was part of the medicine. Forest bathing is a continuation of that same wisdom: a reminder that nature has always been here to restore us, waiting for us to return.
Sev xx
