Japanese ‘Forest Bathing’ Gains Global Popularity for Mental Health Benefits

Forest bathing, known in Japan as shinrin-yoku, is drawing renewed global interest as a natural way to reduce stress and improve focus. The decades-old mindfulness practice, which involves immersing oneself in nature and engaging the senses, has surged in popularity through social media, with more than 45,000 TikTok videos tagged #forestbathing showcasing personal experiences in forests and green spaces.

Mark Ellison, a certified forest therapy guide and founder of Pinnacle Forest Therapy in North Carolina, describes the practice as “slowing down… connecting to nature with all your senses… being present.” Ellison helped establish the first certified forest therapy trail in the state at Pinnacle Park, where he leads 90-minute guided walks emphasizing quiet reflection, sensory engagement, and minimal conversation.

Woman in the woods | Source: Pexels

Forest bathing sessions can be emotional, Ellison notes, sometimes serving as a way for participants to process grief. “It’s really a contrast to how we typically spend our days, which are usually distracting and stressful,” he said, adding that some families join walks to honor loved ones with deep ties to nature.

Ellison cites research-backed benefits, including reduced stress and improved attention span, aligning with “attention restoration theory” developed at the University of Michigan. The theory suggests that nature offers enough engagement to maintain interest while allowing the brain’s primary attention systems to rest and recover.

Woman in the woods | Source: Pexels