Imagine standing barefoot on the forest floor, inhaling the crisp, earthy scent of pine, and feeling the gentle sway of the trees above. There’s something undeniably soothing about being surrounded by nature, and science backs it up - spending time in the forest can have profound benefits for both body and mind. This practice, known as forest bathing, has been celebrated for centuries and is now being embraced worldwide.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, originated in Japan in the 1980s as a response to rising stress levels and burnout in an increasingly urbanised society. But its roots go much deeper, Japan’s spiritual traditions, including Shinto and Zen Buddhism, have long revered nature as a source of healing and connection. Walking mindfully through the forest, touching the trees, listening to the rustling leaves, these simple acts became a recognised form of therapy, with the Japanese government formally introducing Shinrin-yoku as a public health practice.
The idea is simple: spend intentional time in the forest, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Unlike hiking or other outdoor activities, forest bathing isn’t about reaching a destination, it’s about slowing down, engaging your senses, and being fully present in the natural world.
The Science Behind It
If you’ve ever walked through a forest and felt instantly calmer, you’re not imagining it. Research has shown that time spent in nature can:
Lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, reducing anxiety and stress
Boost the immune system by increasing natural killer (NK) cell activity, which helps fight infections and disease
Improve mood and decrease symptoms of depression
Enhance focus and cognitive function
Lower heart rate and blood pressure, supporting cardiovascular health
A fascinating discussion on the psychology of forest bathing was recently featured on RNZ podcast, listen to it here.
A Sacred Connection to the Forest
For as long as I can remember, forests have been my sanctuary, a place of stillness, grounding, and deep connection. I always dreamed of getting married in a forest, surrounded by towering trees, we were lucky enough to have a favorite local spot, where we had shared many picnics and memories with our kids & dog. Our wedding arch was created naturally by towering trees over us, making it feel just as magical. The forest has always felt like home to me, and it’s this same sense of peace and belonging that I want to share through Forest Yoga.
Forest Yoga: Taking It a Step Further
Now, imagine taking this restorative experience even deeper, by combining it with yoga, mindful movement, and meditation. That’s exactly what we do in our Forest Flow Yoga classes at Bottle Lake Forest.
With gentle, soothing music playing through silent disco headphones, you'll move through a breath-led, all-levels flow, feeling the forest floor beneath your feet, the fresh air in your lungs, and the trees standing tall around you. The class ends with meditation and the best savasana views imaginable - lying beneath the canopy, gazing up at the sky, completely at ease.
Why Try Forest Yoga?
Yoga and forest bathing share a common goal: presence. Practicing yoga in nature deepens this sense of connection and enhances the benefits of both practices. Being outdoors invites you to truly ground yourself - feeling the earth beneath you, listening to birdsong as you breathe, and allowing yourself to be rather than do.
If you’re craving a practice that soothes your nervous system, invites stillness, and connects you to something bigger, Forest Flow Yoga is for you. Join us under the trees, move to stillness, and experience the magic of yoga in the wild.
Ready to step into the forest? Check out our class schedule and book your spot here.
Comments