The Japanese practice of forest bathing offers relaxation without a bathtub.

Before you get the wrong idea, forest bathing doesn’t mean taking a bath in the woods.

Forest bathing comes from the Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku. In Japanese, shinrin means “forest” and yoku means “bath.” Shinrin-yoku means immersing yourself in the forest atmosphere or taking in the forest through your senses. Think of it as eco-therapy.

Health Benefits

The purpose of forest bathing is to get into nature and commune with the outdoors. You don’t need a forest—spending time connecting with any natural environment can have the same effect. Research shows that simply walking in nature, getting away from the daily rush and unplugging from technology has plenty of health benefits.

Studies have shown that spending time in nature can relieve stress, lower blood pressure, reduce the output of the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline, enhance mood, revitalize people and help them disconnect from today’s hectic pace.

Unplug & Decompress

Best of all, no equipment is needed except perhaps a good pair of walking shoes. Just get out in the fresh air and let Mother Nature be your guide. Observe the environment around you as you walk slowly or sit. Look, listen, smell and feel the natural world that surrounds you.

Most importantly, take your time. There’s no right amount. Start with a comfortable time limit and build up. The Japanese recommend two hours. Sitting for five minutes in the woods is not unplugging and decompressing. Take some advice from naturalist and writer John Muir: “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”

You can try forest bathing by yourself, but there are also plenty of experts in the practice all around North Carolina.

2023: The Year of the Trail

Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed 2023 as the Year of the Trail to celebrate North Carolina’s thousands of miles of trails, greenways and blueways.

The initiative is led by the Great Trails State Coalition, a group of more than 50 organizations working to raise awareness and create more opportunities for hiking, biking, walking, paddling and horseback riding across the state.

The timing is perfect. Some peace of mind and body awaits.

PBS North Carolina and Sci NC appreciate the support of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.