Spending just 30 minutes in contact with forest elements — the sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds, fresh air, trickling streams, swaying trees — can significantly reduce the levels of cortisol in the bloodstream and help alleviate chronic tension. In ecopsychology, this is sometimes called “ecological co-regulation.”

Connecting mindfully with nature for 120 minutes per week can greatly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Helpful mechanisms being researched include forest bathing’s ability to engage the parasympathetic nervous system and increase healthy respiration and circulation.

Improved Immunity - Forest bathing has a noticeable impact on improving a balanced immune response and reducing inflammation. Possible mechanisms include exposure to antimicrobial compounds released by plants, beneficial microbes in the soil, and negative ions from moving water.

Physical Well-Being - Regular physical activity in nature — from a leisurely walk to a moderate hike — can improve cardiovascular function, reduce blood pressure and inflammation, increase overall energy levels, and improve mobility.

Better Brain Power - Interacting mindfully and playfully with nature greatly reduces mental fatigue, improves relaxed focus, and can enhance overall cognitive abilities. Forest bathing participants regularly report “flow state” experiences: pleasurable periods of time free of distracting or intrusive thoughts.

“Moments, Not Minutes”- Many of the benefits of forest bathing tend to be more pronounced with repeated exposure over time. But, when it comes to stress reduction and mood enhancement, research indicates experiencing meaningful moments in nature matters more than the amount of time spent outdoors.

The Ecological Body - When practiced from an anti-racist, anti-colonial framework, forest bathing can be seen as the restoration of the ecological body – deeply experiencing multi-species kinship and dissolving our dominant culture’s alienating objectification of nature.

Engaged Ecology - When we commune with nature and begin to understand ourselves within its web of interdependence, we see that our own health is connected to the health of our ecosystems. And we become empowered to take compassionate action to help heal the world that nurtures us.