"By doing nothing in the forest, you end up gaining so much." Sunlight filters through the leaves, and a gentle breeze stirs the branches, carrying the earthy scent of soil and bark. You pause, and it feels as if the entire forest has quietly gathered around you.
Escape the Noise
Staring at screens for hours, answering endless phone calls, and dealing with constant chatter—these have become the norm, trapping us in a cycle of relentless stress. Sleepless nights, anxiety, and fatigue slowly creep in, becoming part of everyday life. And then, a wild thought begins to surface: to escape the noise of the city and return to the quiet embrace of nature.
Breathing with the Forest
Why do we long for forests? According to a study published in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, forest bathing can reduce levels of stress hormones such as cortisol by an average of 12.4%. Japanese research has also shown that spending just two hours in a forest can significantly lower anxiety and negative emotions while enhancing feelings of joy and vitality.
The term "forest bathing" was born in Japan in the 1980s, which means bathing in the air of the forest—a practice that encourages people to connect with nature through their senses and find relief from the pressures of modern life.
Step by Step: How to Begin
Forest bathing is simple—you can start like this:
Step 1: Put your phone away in your bag or switch it to airplane mode. Let go of digital distractions.
Step 2: Slow your pace. Don’t focus on a destination.
Step 3: Awaken your senses—see, hear, smell, and feel everything around you.
Step 4: Find a tree to sit under, or lie down on the grass.
Step 5: Do nothing. Just be still, and let the forest surround you.
Simple Gear Suggestions
Forest bathing isn’t a serious wilderness adventure, but a bit of preparation can help you relax more fully.
· A sturdy, warm flannel shirt
· A pair of comfortable shoes, ideal for walking through the woods
· A book you love, to read a few pages under a tree
· An insulated bottle, so you can slowly enjoy a cup of hot tea
· And most importantly, a mind ready to unwind
Let the Forest Do the Rest
Let go of the fast-paced life and find your own peace in the quiet of the forest. You don't need to "do" anything. The forest will quietly complete all the healing.
Stay quietly for a while among the mottled shadows of the trees, listen to the wind, watch the clouds, and feel every breath of your body. At that moment, you will understand that "doing nothing" is actually the best care for yourself.