About me…

Hi I’m Jess, an accredited Forest Therapy Practitioner with a first-class honours degree in psychology. During my studies I was particularly drawn to positive psychology- the scientific study of the conditions and processes that encourage flourishing, subjective well-being, and happiness. Nature connection and meditation are two factors that encourage these positive processes, which is partly what drew me to training in forest therapy.

The benefits of Forest Therapy apply to everyone. Whether you are simply looking to spend more time in nature, or you are specifically looking for a natural way to support improvements in your physical and psychological health.

My mission as a Forest Therapy Practitioner is to help people reconnect with nature and cultivate greater awareness of the natural ways we can support our health and well-being. I also hope that reconnecting with nature will inspire people to take better care of their environment.

I

 



What is Forest Therapy?

The formal practise of forest therapy, also known as “Shinrin yoku” or forest bathing, began in Japan in 1982. The literal translation of Shinrin-yoku is 'taking in the forest atmosphere,' or more commonly, 'forest bathing’. It was introduced by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as a form of preventative healthcare, encouraging people to spend time in forests to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. The key distinction between forest bathing and forest therapy is that while forest bathing can be practised alone, forest therapy involves a guide who facilitates the experience using various evidence- based techniques to help participants connect to their senses and the natural environment.

Although humans have long spent time in forests for relaxation, spiritual practises and health, forest therapy is an organised, research based practise with structured walks and therapeutic intentions. Since the 1982 initiative, thanks to growing scientific interest, the practise has spread globally with more and more people becoming aware of the many benefits to our psychological and physical health.

What are the Health Benefits?

Mental and Emotional Health Benefits

Scientific studies have shown that spending as little as 2 hours in a forested environment during a forest therapy session can lead to:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety through decreased cortisol levels.

  • Lowered blood pressure and heart rate, promoting relaxation.

  • Improved mood and emotional well-being.

  • Increased sense of calm and mental clarity.

Park et al. (2009) found that individuals who walked in forests had lower cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rates than those who walked in urban environments. They also felt *less anxious, more relaxed, and less fatigued.
Study Link →

Meneguzzo et al. (2021) reported significant improvements in mood and emotional well-being among participants after a guided forest therapy session.
Study Link →

Cardiovascular and Immune System Benefits

In addition to mental and emotional health, forest therapy supports physical well-being, particularly cardiovascular and immune health:

  • Lowers blood pressure and supports heart health through activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.

  • Reduces chronic stress, which is linked to various health issues including hypertension and burnout.

  • Improves immune function through exposure to phytoncides—natural antimicrobial compounds released by trees.

Phytoncides: Nature’s Defence, Our Benefit

  • Found in high concentrations in evergreen trees (e.g. pines, cedars, spruces).

  • Inhaled through the air during forest therapy.

  • Shown to increase activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which help fight infection and even cancerous cells.

Studies have demonstrated that exposure to phytoncides enhances immune response, supporting the body’s ability to combat illness.
Park et al., 2009

Cognitive Benefits: Focus, Attention, and Creativity

Forest therapy also provides cognitive benefits by supporting mental restoration:

  • Improved focus and attention as explained by Attention Restoration Theory (ART).

  • Enhanced creativity, especially when emotional distress is reduced.

Attention Restoration Theory (Stephen Kaplan) suggests:

  • Directed attention (e.g. problem-solving) becomes fatigued over time.

  • Forests stimulate involuntary attention (e.g. noticing rustling leaves), which allows the brain to rest and recover.

A study by Yu & Hsieh (2020) found that participants’ creative performance increased by 27.74% after a 3-day forest therapy workshop.
Study Link →

They also noted:

  • Reduction in negative emotions (e.g. confusion, fatigue).

  • Positive correlation between emotional well-being and enhanced creativity.

Forest Therapy and Social Connection

Participating in forest therapy as a group can offer:

  • A shared experience that fosters community, connection, and trust.

  • Opportunities for emotional resilience and mutual support.

  • An enhanced sense of belonging and empathy, all linked to broader mental health benefits.

Connection to the Natural World

Modern urbanisation and technology have contributed to feelings of disconnection from the natural world, which can lead to:

  • Emotional fatigue

  • Alienation

  • Lack of environmental responsibility

Forest therapy encourages:

  • A deeper, more mindful connection with nature

  • Environmental responsibility and awareness

  • Greater life satisfaction and sense of purpose

Summary of Key Benefits

Forest therapy offers a wide range of evidence-based health benefits, including:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety

  • Lower blood pressure and heart rate

  • Improved emotional well-being

  • Boosted immune system via phytoncide exposure

  • Enhanced focus, attention, and creativity

  • Strengthened interpersonal connections

  • Increased environmental awareness and life satisfaction

References