Forest Bathing: The Japanese Practice That Can Transform Your Mind, Body, and Soul

toabetterself
Dec 31, 2025
3 min read

Hi Beautiful,

Forest Bathing: The Japanese Practice That Can Transform Your Mind, Body, and Soul - toabetterself.com

Have you ever walked through the woods and felt your shoulders drop, your breath slow, and your whole body seem to exhale?

That’s not just you “being relaxed”, it’s your nervous system responding to one of the most beautiful wellness practices in the world: forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku.

Born in Japan in the 1980s, forest bathing isn’t about hiking for miles or exercising in the outdoors. It’s about immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest, slowly, intentionally, and with all your senses awake.

For us, who are often pulled in a thousand directions, this practice can be a powerful way to reconnect with ourselves and our inner calm.

What Is Forest Bathing?

Forest bathing simply means spending mindful, unhurried time in nature, allowing the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest to wash over you. You are not trying to get to a destination, you are there to be.

The Japanese government even recognizes it as a form of preventive healthcare, because it’s proven to reduce stress and support overall health.

Benefits of Forest Bathing.

1. Lowers Stress and Cortisol

Research shows that spending time in forests reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), heart rate, and blood pressure; leaving you calmer and more grounded.

2. Supports Hormone Balance

When stress decreases, your body can focus on producing and regulating other hormones; helping ease PMS symptoms, improve sleep, and boost energy.

3. Clears the Mind and Boosts Mood

Nature exposure increases serotonin and dopamine, the “feel-good” brain chemicals. It’s like a natural mood lift with no side effects, just deep exhale energy.

4. Encourages Mindful Breathing

Trees release phytoncides, compounds that can boost immune function and improve respiratory health. Slow, deep breaths in the forest aren’t just calming, they are healing.

5. Creates Space for Self-Reflection

Being surrounded by nature, without distractions, can help you tune in to what you really need, away from the noise of everyday life.

How to Practice Forest Bathing

You don’t need a Japanese cedar forest to try this, any quiet green space will do.

Here’s how to start:

Find Your Spot – A forest, park, garden, or quiet tree-lined trail.
Leave Distractions Behind – No phone calls, no rushing. Put your device on silent.
Walk Slowly or Sit Still – The goal isn’t exercise, it’s presence.
Engage All Senses – Notice the colors, scents, sounds, and textures around you.
Breathe Deeply – Inhale through your nose, exhale slowly.
Stay 20–60 Minutes – Long enough to truly feel your nervous system relax.

Final Thought: Nature as a Gentle Healer

Forest bathing isn’t about doing, it’s about being.

It’s a reminder that you don’t have to earn your rest, you don’t have to prove your worth, and you don’t have to rush to the next thing.

The trees stand still, and they invite you to do the same.

So next time you feel the world spinning too fast, step outside. Let the forest hold you. Let it whisper: You are safe here. You are whole here.

Want to Go Deeper into Life Changing Content?

If you want to change your life by feeling calmer, more empowered, and more informed about your body and mind, I’d love to invite you into the membership.

You will get unlimited access to all my growing content—breathwork, guided meditations, sound healing, and empowering tools to help you understand your body, reconnect with yourself, and truly live your better self.

This is a safe, supportive space to slow down, tune in, and grow at your own pace with a growing community of women just like you. Because becoming your better self isn’t about doing more—it’s about tuning in and listening deeper.

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