Several years ago I found myself running on empty.
Like many people, I had convinced myself that being busy meant I was being productive. My days were filled with meetings, emails, errands, and an endless stream of notifications. Even when I wasn't working, my mind was. I couldn't remember the last time I had simply sat still without reaching for my phone.
One Saturday morning, I decided to do something different. Instead of tackling my growing to-do list, I drove to a nearby lake. I didn't have a destination in mind or a fitness goal to achieve. I simply wanted to get outside.
At first, I walked the way I did everywhere else—quickly, distracted, mentally checking off the next thing I needed to do. Then I remembered something I'd read about forest bathing: there was nowhere to get to.
So, I slowed way down.
I noticed the cool air against my skin and the earthy scent of wet leaves after a thick marine layer. Soft sunlight filtered through the branches, casting shifting patterns across the trail. Several Canada geese honked loudly in the distance while a gentle breeze stirred the oak canopy overhead.
For the first time in weeks, my mind became quiet.
Nothing about my life had changed in that hour. The emails were still waiting. My responsibilities hadn't disappeared. But as I walked back to my car, they no longer felt so overwhelming. I felt lighter, clearer, and more grounded—as though the forest had gently reminded me that life wasn't something to race through.
Later, when I discovered the growing body of scientific research on forest bathing, I realized my experience wasn't unique. Researchers have found that spending intentional time among trees can measurably reduce stress, improve mood, and even support immune function.
What I had felt that morning wasn't just in my imagination.
Science is beginning to explain why.
Modern life keeps us connected to everything except one of the things we need most: nature.
Between endless notifications, busy schedules, and hours spent indoors, many of us rarely experience the calming effect of a forest. But what if simply spending time among trees could improve your health in measurable ways?
A comprehensive 2017 review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health examined decades of research on Shinrin-Yoku, better known as forest bathing, and found compelling evidence that immersing yourself in nature can positively influence both your body and mind.
Despite the name, forest bathing doesn't typically involve water.
Originating in Japan during the 1980s, Shinrin-Yoku means "taking in the forest atmosphere through all of your senses." Rather than hiking for exercise or reaching a destination, forest bathing encourages slowing down, observing your surroundings, breathing deeply, and allowing nature to become the experience itself.
It's less about covering miles and more about becoming present.
The review analyzed 64 studies conducted primarily in Japan and China, covering a wide range of physiological and psychological outcomes. While researchers continue to explore the long-term effects, the existing evidence paints an encouraging picture.
One of the most consistent findings is a reduction in stress. Participants who spent time in forests often experienced:
These changes suggest that natural environments help shift the body away from the "fight-or-flight" response and toward a more restorative state.
Forest bathing doesn't just help the body—it appears to support the mind as well. Studies reported improvements in:
Participants frequently described feeling refreshed, more focused, and emotionally balanced after spending time among trees.
Perhaps one of the most fascinating discoveries involves the immune system.
Several studies found that time spent in forests increased the activity of natural killer (NK) cells—white blood cells that play an important role in identifying and destroying virus-infected and abnormal cells. Researchers believe this effect may be linked to natural compounds released by trees, known as phytoncides, along with the overall reduction in stress.
Although more long-term research is needed, these findings suggest that regular exposure to forest and nature-based environments may contribute to improved immune function.
Scientists believe several factors work together. Natural settings reduce sensory overload, replacing traffic, screens, and constant noise with birdsong, fresh air, and gentle movement. Forests also engage all five senses, creating an environment that encourages mindfulness without requiring meditation.
Even breathing in the aromatic compounds released by plants and trees may contribute to some of the observed physiological benefits.
The beauty of forest bathing is its simplicity. You don't need expensive equipment, a gym membership, or hours of free time. Instead, consider:
The goal isn't exercise—it's connection.
The researchers conclude that exposure to natural environments has meaningful potential as a health-promoting practice, particularly in our increasingly urban and technology-driven world. They also emphasize the need for additional long-term studies across different cultures to better understand how forest bathing can support preventive healthcare.
While forest bathing isn't a replacement for medical treatment, growing evidence suggests it can become a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle or complement your healthcare professional’s prescription.
At Yamadori Nature & Forest Therapy, we believe that reconnecting with nature is about restoring your place within it.
Whether you spend an afternoon wandering beneath a grove of oaks or simply pause beneath your favorite tree, every moment in nature offers an opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and support your well-being.
Sometimes the most effective wellness practice isn't something new at all.
It's something we've known all along.
Reference
Hansen, M. M., Jones, R., & Tocchini, K. (2017). Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(8), 851.
Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Barbara County
California
