Forest 'Bathing' Offers Stress Relief and Health Benefits

Guided forest therapy sessions can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and boost the immune system, experts say.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:23pm

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Forest bathing, a wellness practice originating in Japan, is gaining popularity in the United States as a way for people to reduce stress, improve their mood, and boost their immune system by immersing themselves in nature. Certified forest therapy guide Shawn Ramsey led a group of about a dozen people through a guided session at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, North Carolina, where participants engaged in meditation, breathing exercises, and sensory exploration of the natural environment.

Why it matters

In an age of heightened stress, anxiety, and chaos, forest bathing provides people with an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with the natural world. Proponents say the practice can have tangible health benefits, including reduced blood pressure and improved immune function.

The details

During the two-hour session, Ramsey guided participants through various exercises designed to help them fully immerse themselves in the forest environment. This included crushing conifer twigs to smell the aroma, touching the bark of trees, and simply taking time to quietly observe the sights and sounds around them. Ramsey emphasized the importance of being present in the moment and tuning out distractions like news and social media.

  • The forest bathing session took place on a Sunday morning in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The players

Shawn Ramsey

A certified forest therapy guide who led the guided forest bathing session.

Claire Jefferies

A human resources director who participated in the forest bathing session, describing it as a "protective bubble" that shields her from stress and anxiety.

Alan Mintz

A transportation safety researcher who participated in the forest bathing session, emphasizing the importance of appreciating natural spaces and connecting with others.

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What they’re saying

“I invite you to really spend the next 10 minutes just exploring this area. Really focusing on your breath, on your footsteps. All the natural sounds around you. Maybe the manmade sounds, too. Thinking about the forest's natural rhythm and how are part of that here in this urban, forested environment.”

— Shawn Ramsey, Certified forest therapy guide

“You know, in this day and age, there's a lot of stress and anxiety and chaos. And people are searching for ways to kind of cope with that.”

— Shawn Ramsey, Certified forest therapy guide

“I think it's important for people to take the opportunity to exist in natural spaces, both to unwind and relax, so that it can be easier to interact with other people. And to take a moment to appreciate beautiful things. That way, hopefully, they can carry that forward and have more of an appreciation for other people and other cultures that they might be less experienced with.”

— Alan Mintz, Transportation safety researcher

What’s next

The J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the forest bathing session took place, offers regular guided forest therapy walks for the public.

The takeaway

Forest bathing provides a valuable opportunity for people to disconnect from the stresses of daily life, reconnect with nature, and experience tangible health benefits such as reduced stress, improved mood, and a boosted immune system. As more people seek ways to cope with the anxiety and chaos of modern life, this ancient Japanese wellness practice is gaining popularity in the United States.