In the UK, long waiting lists for mental health therapy have sparked a rise in people seeking alternative treatments. Forest bathing, a type of ecotherapy, offers a sanctuary for those needing relief from the stress of modern life. Participants practice deep breathing and mindfulness exercises that engage sight, smell, sound, and touch in a forest environment.
These include: noticing the range of colors in nature, smelling strongly-scented leaves and experiencing different textures and perspectives. Forest bathing sessions vary from fifteen minutes to extended retreats. A two-hour period with less than a mile of walking is the most popular. This practice of immersing oneself in forests and nature is providing an effective complementary treatment, with people reporting significant benefits to their mental well-being.
