In our fast-paced, high-demand world, it’s easy to forget the healing power that lies just outside our doorsteps. After months of endless emails, meetings, and constant pressure from the demands of my work life, I found myself seeking something more profound than the typical quick fixes for stress. It was time to reconnect — not just with myself, but with the natural world that I had long overlooked.

Stepping into the forest, I felt an immediate shift. The familiar rush of daily life began to fade away, replaced by the calming presence of the trees, the rustling leaves, and the soft hum of the natural world. My mind didn’t slow down yet, instead, I was reminded of my studies, it was now years of research — I’ve spent countless nights up late — diving into the intersections of nature, psychology, and animal and nature conservation. In those moments, I realised that forest bathing — Shinrin-yoku — is not just a simple walk in the woods, but a profound practice rooted in centuries of Japanese tradition, I was studying cultures all around me and I was now really confirming what I always believe — it’s all very validating, but I wasn’t sure that I was really calm yet.

I was thinking to myself, forest bathing, is a practice that invites us to fully engage with nature through all five senses, offering a really deep experience. It’s not just about walking through the forest — it’s about being in it, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells around you, allowing each step to be deliberate and slow. For me, as a someone who meditates a lot and someone committed to both mental health this act felt like the integration of everything I had practiced.

I began the walk, slowing down a bit more, now immersing myself in the environment around me which each breath and each step. I walked off the track slightly and As I touched the bark of a nearby tree, the rough texture really did make me smile, I liked it, it really grounded me at that moment,- I’d read about the physical and emotional benefits of connecting with natural elements, but I hadn’t really focused on experiencing it before. There is something incredibly calming about the simple act of touching a living thing — be it a tree, a rock, or the earth beneath your feet. In that moment, the research on biophilia (the inherent human connection to nature) and its profound impact on stress reduction felt tangibly real.

As I walked deeper into the forest, the sounds of birds and rustling leaves blended into a kind of natural orchestral symphony. The subtle hum of the environment contrasted sharply with the noise and clatter of my work life and my brain could feel it. The importance of this sensory immersion was something I’d studied extensively but really wasn’t sure i’d experience like this before, my new awareness was really impacting my experience.

I was now experiencing firsthand the benefits of what I had long known theoretically: nature has the power to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance emotional resilience. This new kind of sensory engagement — whether through sight, sound, touch, or even smell — has been shown to activate parts of the brain associated with calmness and presence.

In the quiet of the forest, I found myself reflecting on the work I do, the stress I carry, and the emotional weight I’ve been managing. As I observed the way the light filtered through the trees, dappling the ground below, I was reminded of the core principles of mindfulness in both my counselling and psychology studies. It was clear to me that my mind was becoming more present, more open to reflection. In the space the forest provided, I could observe my thoughts without judgment, allowing them to float by like leaves on the wind.

I paused at a quiet spot, sitting down on a large rock, and closed my eyes. Breathing deeply, I took in the fresh scents of pine and earth. I thought about the work I’d done in psychology, learning about the neurobiology of stress and the body’s response to natural environments. Studies show that exposure to nature can lower cortisol levels — the hormone associated with stress — while simultaneously enhancing our mood and mental focus. As I sat there, I could feel the weight of my professional stress beginning to lift, slowly and naturally. It was a reminder of how the body, too, needs to be nurtured and healed — not just the mind.

The concept of Shinrin-yoku isn’t just about exposure to nature for the sake of relaxation. It’s about reconnection. For me, it was about reconnecting with the natural world, reconnecting with myself, and finally allowing space for healing. As I reflected on my experience, I thought back to the research on nature conservation and the role it plays in preserving not just our physical environment, but our mental health as well. This walk in the woods felt like a gentle reminder of our deep dependence on the earth — not only for survival but for our overall wellbeing.

As I continued walking, I felt more grounded, more centered. I saw beautiful vistas and scenary that was just wonderful. The blend of nature, mindfulness, and my own personal reflection created an environment where healing wasn’t just a passive experience — it was an active, immersive process. I was so grateful. The research I’d read about nature’s therapeutic effects, the work I’d done in counselling, and my own ongoing psychological studies were all coming together in this one quiet, powerful moment in the forest.

I could feel the stress of my work life dissolving, replaced with a renewed sense of clarity and calm. It wasn’t just the beauty of the forest that was healing me, but the space it created for reflection. This, I realised, was the true power of Shinrin-yoku — it’s not just about being outside. It’s about being fully present in nature, allowing it to guide you back to yourself.

The experience wasn’t just a short-term escape; it was a reminder of the importance of integrating nature into our daily lives. As I left the forest that day, I felt lighter, not just physically, but emotionally. The practice of forest bathing had given me the space I needed to recalibrate, and the lessons learned that day stayed with me long after I returned to my busy life.

In reflecting on this journey, I’ve come to realise that this practice is something I’ll continue to incorporate into my life. The benefits of Shinrin-yoku are real, grounded in both research and experience. For those of us overwhelmed by the demands of modern life, I invite you to step outside, slow down, and connect with nature in a way that nurtures both mind and body. Whether you’re looking for a moment of calm or a deeper sense of clarity, a forest bathing session could be the very thing you need to restore your balance.

If you’re ready to embark on your own journey of healing and reflection in nature, I invite you to join me. Step outside, breathe deeply, and experience the transformative power of forest bathing. Nature is waiting to guide you back to yourself.