Forest Bathing – Shinrin Yoku (森林浴)
What Is Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing – originally known as Shinrin Yoku in Japanese – literally means “immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest”. The practice was developed in Japan in the 1980s to help people counterbalance increasing levels of stress and the growing impact of technology. Today, it is recognised there as a therapeutic approach.
The focus is not on activity, but on presence.
Slow walking. Noticing. Breathing. Listening.
It is about consciously opening your senses – to the rustling of leaves, the scent of the forest floor, the play of light and shadow. Through this mindful way of being in the forest, the nervous system begins to settle, thoughts slow down and the body starts to release tension.
Effects & Scientific Background
The positive effects of forest bathing have been well researched.
Studies* show that spending time in the forest can, among other things:
- reduce stress hormones such as cortisol
- lower blood pressure and heart rate
- strengthen the immune system
- improve mood
- have a positive effect on sleep quality
Trees release so-called phytoncides (terpenes) – natural aromatic compounds that have been shown to influence our immune system.
Forest bathing is therefore not only a subjective experience of nature, but also a scientifically grounded method of stress regulation.
* (for example: Margaret Hansen et al; Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2017)
Who Is Forest Bathing For?
Forest bathing is suitable for people
- who are under stress or experiencing ongoing pressure
- who consciously want to slow down
- who feel inwardly restless or exhausted
- who are looking for a mindful connection with nature
- who want to strengthen their resilience
It is a gentle yet effective complement to coaching or personal change processes – but can also be experienced entirely on its own.
What Does a Forest Bathing Experience with Me Look Like?
A session usually lasts around two hours.
We move slowly through the forest – without performance pressure and without any goal-oriented agenda. Through guided sensory and awareness exercises, your attention is gradually brought out of the mind and back into the body.
You do not need any special equipment or prior experience. What you do need is time – and a willingness to let go of your smartphone for a while.
The forest will take care of the rest.
An Invitation
Stress and tension rarely disappear on their own. But you can consciously create a space in which calm, clarity and renewed energy are able to emerge.
In a non-binding conversation, we can explore whether forest bathing is right for you and when we might step into nature together.
Andreas Altfreder
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