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Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)
Slow, mindful immersion in a forest or green environment.
60-90 minutes per session.
Weekly if possible.
About this practice
Shinrin-yoku, or 'forest bathing', originated in Japan as a formally studied wellness practice: slow, unhurried, sensory-focused time in a forest or heavily wooded environment. Research links it to reduced stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and improved mood — distinct from just exercising outdoors, since the focus is on unhurried sensory presence rather than covering distance.
How to do it
- Choose a forested or heavily green natural area, ideally away from traffic noise.
- Walk slowly with no destination or pace goal — this isn't a workout.
- Engage each sense deliberately: notice colors and light, listen for birdsong or wind, smell the air, feel bark or leaves.
- Pause often, sit if you like, and let attention rest fully on the immediate surroundings.
- Leave devices behind or on silent — the practice works best without digital distraction.
Conditions it may help with
Track your practice
Log the days you actually do this practice to build a streak — your log stays on this device and shows up on your account page alongside every other practice you're tracking.