Forest Bathing

Spending 20–30 minutes in a forest increases natural killer cell count by 26%. Forest bathing reduces cortisol by 27%. Forest bathing emphasizes immersion in the forest environment rather than exertion or goal-directed movement. Forest bathing may offer something beyond indoor seated meditation because it adds environmental exposure. Forest bathing combines meditative attention and deep breathing in nature. Phytoncides — volatile organic compounds emitted by trees — directly stimulate natural killer cell activity when inhaled. Redirecting attention to a natural sensory environment disengages stress-processing brain networks, allowing cortisol and sympathetic nervous activity to fall. Shinrin-yoku is described as slow meandering walking beneath trees.