Spending time in the forest offers numerous health benefits, including stress reduction, mood improvement, and strengthening of the immune system. Regular walks through the forest can positively impact physical and mental health, providing refreshment and relaxation.

Shinrin yoku, or forest bathing (bathing in forest air), has been an element of the healthy lifestyle tradition of Japanese citizens for centuries. In Korea, this procedure is called Sanlimyok; in Finland, they practice it, but do not have a traditional name; in Ireland, it is called Boladh na Sioga, or bathing in the breath of a forest fairy. The term “Forest medicine” was introduced in Japan in 2006, the following year in England, and since 2009, a summer school of forest medicine has been held at the Harvard University Medical School.

We are all aware of the modern lifestyle, its pace, irregular eating habits, lack of sleep, excessive daily activities, followed by lack of concentration, stress, and other negative aspects. Is there an alternative to all this, and how can we counteract the harmful effects of an unhealthy life? The answer lies in so-called “Forest Medicine” and returning to nature. Here’s how!