I’ve always loved the woods. As a child, my grandparents often took my sister and me to a local forest, where we’d climb trees, go on long walks with their dogs and build dams in the streams. They were wonderful times and I hope to relive these experiences with my niece and maybe even my own children one day.

The forest has always been an enjoyable place to be, but I never once thought about how it might benefit mental health. That all changed in late 2020 when I met my partner Louise. Our first date was a long walk in Epping Forest. I was nervous, but it was among the trees that I learned about her love of fungi and nature in general. Louise’s enthusiasm was infectious and we spent more and more time exploring local woodland whenever we could. It wasn’t long before she introduced me to forest bathing. I’d never heard of it and initially wondered what on Earth she was talking about. I almost half pictured stripping off and laying on the forest floor while using some fallen leaves to maintain some dignity! It seems I was way off. A bit of research soon showed me that it is actually a real thing in parts of the world and thankfully offers no risk of being done for indecent exposure.

So What Is Forest Bathing?

There are countless articles online telling you about forest bathing. Forestry England provide a good description and mention that the idea originated in Japan. It is actually a very simple concept. Spend time in a woodland setting, where the idea is that you slow down, turn off any technology and just enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. It’s so easy that anybody can do it.

The Benefits

Most of us know that the Japanese have one the highest life expectancies in the world. While some of this might be because of excellent genetics and diet, perhaps forest bathing and other practices that focus on well being are a contributing factor too. Here are some of the main benefits I’ve read about and also experienced myself while enjoying the forest:

A Great Stress Reliever

I have always suffered with anxiety during my life and can sometimes find the fast pace of life overwhelming. Add in my job as a primary school teacher and there is even more space for stress. Exercise has always been a great remedy for this, but I’ve now also found that being out in nature, particularly in the woods is a great cure too. The trees around you are very good at getting rid of man made noise. Instead you are likely to only hear the sound of the wind in the trees, the birds above you and the crunch of the leaf litter on the floor.

All of life’s problems can seem to distance themselves from you, when you’re surrounded by trees much bigger than you are and that have been there long before you were born. I’ve certainly found that the experience grounds me. It makes me realise how small I am and that my problems really aren’t that significant at all in the grand scale of things. Forest bathing is certainly good for the soul.

It’s Free and Accessible

I suppose this one is self explanatory, but I thought I’d include it anyway. Even with so much of our natural woodland now gone thanks to deforestation, most of us still have a woodland area close by. Even in London it is easily possible to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and find woodland areas. The great bonus is that they’re all completely free to use. Pack a lunch if you have children and you can have an awesome day out for next to no money at all. How many of you are like me and have some of their fondest childhood memories in a woodland setting?

The Changing Of The Seasons

There is no better place to see the changing of the seasons than in a forest. There is something magical about them no matter what time of the year it is. Autumn is my personal favourite with the changing colours and golden leaves fluttering down from above.

Winter is also magical and a snow cover can easily transform any forest into a scene from Narnia. I don’t think you can beat a winter sun shining through the many branches all coated with a fresh snowfall. You just have to watch out for the breeze sending it down on top of you from above! I haven’t had the chance to enjoy some proper winter forest bathing for some considerable time, thanks to the unreliable snow that is failing to arrive in southern England during recent years. Hopefully this will change soon.

Kids Love It

As a primary school teacher, I am lucky enough to take the pupils for forest school sessions. As the name might suggest, this takes children out of the classroom and into the great outdoors. The idea originated in Scandinavia, but has caught on here in recent years with great success.

I’m not yet forty, but it does seem the childhoods of children these days is very different to the one I remember. They seem to spend more time than ever interacting with technology rather than with other children outside. This seems such a shame as playing out was something I adored so much.

Getting the children out in nature allows them to be proper children and play without any limitations. It keeps them fit, entertained and always coming back for more. I have no doubt that it’s wonderful for their mental health too.

It’s An Awesome Place To Wild Camp

I couldn’t help but get this one in. Wild camping is always enjoyable no matter where you do it, but the forest is particularly enjoyable. It can feel just a bit more mysterious with all the sounds you’re likely to hear once the sun sets. My first forest camp was certainly an experience. I hardly slept a wink due to feeling out of my comfort zone, but still enjoyed it immensely.

Many other outdoor enthusiasts seem to share the same love of forest bathing that I have. Here are several that I enjoy following:

Xander Budnick-This chap can often be found out in the Canadian wilderness and loves bushcraft and travelling light.His YouTube channel can be found here.

WildBeare- Any British outdoor enthusiasts will probably be familiar with this female wild camper. She is fairly local to me in south east England and can often be found camped out in local forests. Her videos are always very chilled and just good for the soul when you watch them. Her channel can be found here.

Kent Survival- This chap is brilliant and his love of the outdoors infectious. The woods appears to be his favourite setting and he’s made many brilliant videos. Check out his channel here.

In Conclusion…..

Now you know about the many benefits of forest bathing, I hope it’s given you the inspiration to get out to your local woods soon. We all know life is more stressful than ever with the cost of living crisis and long working hours. The forest will always be there to embrace you and you’ll almost certainly leave it each time feeling just that little more relaxed and at peace. Happy forest bathing!