Forest bathing
Give Yourself a Moment of Peace
What is forest bathing?
Forest bathing, also known as forest therapy or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, originated in Japan in the 1980s. While the practice has been known in Japan since much earlier, it was then that scientific research began to integrate it into the healthcare system as a way of preventing burnout.
It is a slow, guided walk through nature that leads an individual toward conscious connection with the natural environment. The purpose is to experience nature with all the senses — observing, listening, smelling, touching, and sometimes even tasting — with the goal of calming both the body and the mind. This practice awakens true “forest bathing” — not in a physical sense, but as a deep emotional and sensory presence. In other words, it is about immersing oneself in the atmosphere of the forest using all of our senses, which is also where the name originates.
How Forest Bathing Sessions Work
Traja približno 2,5 do 3 ure in je namenjena manjšim skupinam (npr. do 15 oseb) ali posameznikom
A slow, guided walk through the forest, replacing the aimless rush of everyday life with mindful awareness of nature.
Includes various sensory exercises and “stations” in the forest where participants observe, listen, touch, and smell.
Often, the program also includes a tea ceremony: preparing herbal tea, reflecting on the experience, and creating space for personal insight.
Forest Bathing is led by a certified forest therapy guide. Its purpose is to create a safe space and gently guide participants through the natural rhythms and senses. “The therapist is the forest; the guide only opens the door.”
These sessions are suitable for everyone: individuals, couples, families, teams, companies (for team building or mental relaxation), urban dwellers, and those experiencing chronic stress, fatigue, or a desire to restore inner balance.
Positive Effects of Forest Bathing
Stress Reduction and Calmness
Cortisol levels (the stress hormone) decrease, heart rate and breathing slow down, triggering regeneration. The nervous system shifts from sympathetic (“fight or flight”) to parasympathetic (“rest and digest”).
Immune System Boost
Spending time in nature fosters a sense of connection, supporting mental well-being and emotional balance.
Improved Mood
Forest therapy stimulates serotonin production, eases symptoms of depression and anxiety, and brings a sense of happiness and security.
Better Sleep and Reduced Chronic Fatigue
Natural rhythms, fresh air, and natural light help regulate the circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality.
Enhanced Focus and Creativity
Spending just 60–90 minutes in a natural environment can improve attention, working memory, and creative abilities.
Lowered Blood Pressure
Forest bathing helps improve cardiovascular function and regulate blood pressure.
Connection and Mental Health
Preživljanje časa v naravi spodbuja občutek povezanosti ter podpira duševno dobrobit in čustveno ravnovesje.
Spiritual Aspects
Many participants report deeper inner insights and a sense of soul regeneration through their connection with the forest.
