Forest therapy is an umbrella term for activities like meditating, walking, or simply sitting quietly in a forest, all of which aim to promote well-being. What sets it apart from ordinary time outdoors is the conscious use of the five senses to connect with nature. “Merely walking in a forest is insufficient,” says Dr. Stephanie Freitag, a licensed clinical psychologist. “We need to incorporate mindfulness — being truly present with what we see, hear, and feel.”
A 2021 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reviewed research published between 1990 and 2020. It found consistent links between forest therapy and improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms in both healthy people and patients. While more research is needed to explain exactly how it works, the results point to real mental health benefits. “Many people are exposed to constant stimulation — notifications, traffic, screens, and endless demands,” says Jessica Meers, also a clinical psychologist. “Time in nature lets the nervous system settle.”
Experts explain the effects in several ways. Natural light helps regulate our body clock, supporting healthy sleep. The outdoors also demands less focused attention, giving our brain a needed break. “Nature gently holds our attention without fatiguing us,” Meers adds. Meanwhile, the beauty of nature inspires gratitude, a positive feeling known to lessen depression and anxiety. Freitag emphasizes that mindfulness plus gratitude may be the key: “Notice your surroundings through the senses and appreciate nature, which is so easy to take for granted.”
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