Growing up the daughter of a park ranger I spent a lot of time in nature. If I wasn’t in school or doing chores I was out exploring nature. The splendor and beauty of local forests and springs engaged my senses and deepened my curiosity. On any given day I could see and hear colorful birds, watch a lizard stalking beetles or if I was lucky, observe a mother black bear teaching her cubs how to scale giant live oak trees so they could escape predators. As I entered my teen years, life became more complex. I found myself seeking solace and solitude in nature to quiet my anxious teen mind. The time I spent in nature also allowed me to reflect deeply on my life’s pursuits.
Fast forward to my early years in college I began to notice a feeling of disconnect to my life’s purpose. Stuck in a cycle of work and school I neglected the very thing that inspired me to seek a Biology degree in the first place. I stopped spending time in nature. Anxious to reclaim the inner peace I deeply needed, I visited a park I grew up in named Wekiwa Springs State Park. As fate would have it that day, a park biologist who used to work for my dad saw me and stopped to say hi. I shared with her my dilemma and she encouraged me to apply for a park ranger job that had recently opened. Two weeks later I was working at the very park I grew up in. Once again my life began to make sense. My body was flooded with gratitude, purpose and inner peace. My soul felt as if it had come home, and in many ways that was true.
Adopting a routine or weekly practice of forest bathing can serve you well as you navigate your wellness journey. Even 20–30 minutes in a natural setting several times a week can contribute to reduced stress, improved mood, and a greater sense of well-being. Many people also find that combining time in nature with practices such as mindful breathing, meditation, or sound healing deepens the restorative experience. Read below to learn of the many benefits forest bathing offers. I’ve also included a simple nature practice that has allowed me to stay connected to my inner guide and my life’s purpose.
Why Forests Feel So Healing Forests offer a unique combination of healing elements:
- Cleaner, oxygen-rich air
- Cooling shade
- Gentle natural sounds
- Fractal patterns that the brain finds calming
- Earthy scents that encourage relaxation
- Plant compounds called phytoncides, which may support immune function
- Reduced exposure to urban noise and overstimulation
- Opportunities for mindful walking and reflection
Mental & Emotional Benefits
- Reduces stress and feelings of overwhelm
- Improves mood and emotional resilience
- Decreases symptoms of mild depression
- Increases feelings of happiness and gratitude
- Enhances mental clarity and focus
- Improves creativity and problem-solving
- Improves memory and cognitive function
- Creates a greater sense of peace and contentment
Nervous System Benefits
- Activates the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous system
- Helps regulate the vagus nerve
- Reduces fight-or-flight activation
- Increases feelings of safety
- Improves emotional regulation
- Supports trauma recovery when combined with appropriate care
- Encourages deeper, slower breathing
- Creates a sense of grounded calm
- Encourages healthier lifestyle habits
A Simple Nature Practice (20–30 Minutes)
To maximize the benefits:
- Leave your phone on silent or behind if possible.
- Walk slowly and breathe deeply.
- Notice five things you can see.
- Listen for birds, wind, or flowing water.
- Touch a tree, rock, or the earth.
- Sit quietly for 10–15 minutes.
- Practice gratitude or silent meditation.
- If you’re near water, listen to its rhythm and synchronize your breath with it.
- Before leaving, reflect on one insight or intention to carry with you.