Shinrin-yoku | Forest Bathing for Your Health and Wellbeing
Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) walks range from a personal 1:1 wellbeing practice, a regular workplace wellbeing activity, or part of a team building workshop or day retreat. It can also be incorporated into a more comprehensive wellbeing plan as part of a forest or nature therapy programme.
About Forest Bathing
Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese practice of letting nature into our body through our senses. The literal translation is ‘to bathe in the atmosphere of the forest’. In English, it is known as Forest Bathing.
Forest bathing is different from any other type of nature walk. Gentle walks of around 1-1½ kilometers (½-1 mile) last from 2-3 hours. Guided sessions offer activities that support the awakening of your senses. This reduces the static of your inner voice, allows you to be present and helps you establish a connection to nature.
The psychological and physical benefits of forest bathing include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved cardiac and pulmonary function
- Increased focus
- Enhanced mood
- Reduced mental and physical pain
Each walk offers a different blend of mindfulness and meditative invitations, fun and sometimes interactive activities like Earth Art, Music Making or a Tea Ceremony.
Public Walks are held in Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk and Broaks Wood, Essex. Book an upcoming walk on AllEvents!
Private Walks are offered for groups and teams as well as for family and social gatherings. Get in touch to learn more about bringing forest bathing to you!
Forest Bathing FAQs
What is forest bathing?
Forest bathing is a gentle walk of around 1-1½ kilometers (½-1 mile) and lasts from 2-3 hours.
How is it different from a hike?
Forest bathing is a gentle walk of around 1-1½ kilometers (½-1 mile) and lasts from 2-3 hours.
What can I get from it?
It is known to improve mental, physical and immunological health. You will slow down, develop focus and learn some tools for your daily life.
I’m not very fit, can I still do it?
Walks are designed to be slow, gentle and suitable for all levels of fitness. However, if you have a specific health condition, please mention it when registering.
What do you do when it rains?
Forest bathing is suitable for rain or sun and we will hold walks in all types of weather so long as it remains safe.
What do I need to bring with me?
Water bottle (recommended 1.5 litres), snacks, sunscreen, appropriate shoes, and possibly a raincoat.
How many people are there on a walk?
We generally limit public walks to 12. However, we can accommodate up to 30 for team development and private groups.
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