People 'Bathe' in Nature to Escape Chaotic News Cycle

Forest bathing sessions provide a respite from stress and anxiety for urban residents.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:18am

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In Raleigh, North Carolina, people are turning to forest bathing sessions to find a peaceful escape from the constant barrage of stressful news and current events. Led by certified forest therapy guides, these guided nature immersion experiences are based on the Japanese wellness practice of Shinrin-yoku and have been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system.

Why it matters

As people grapple with the ongoing challenges of war, inflation, and other global issues, the demand for restorative natural experiences has grown. Forest bathing provides an opportunity for urban residents to disconnect from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with the calming rhythms of the natural world.

The details

During the forest bathing sessions, participants are led through various gardens and encouraged to engage their senses by crushing conifer twigs, touching trees, and focusing on their breath and the natural sounds around them. The guided activities are designed to help people tune out the stresses of the outside world and become fully present in the moment.

  • The forest bathing sessions take place on Sunday mornings at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The players

Claire Jefferies

A human resources director who participated in the forest bathing session to find a respite from the constant news cycle.

Shawn Ramsey

A certified forest therapy guide who led the forest bathing session at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum.

Alan Mintz

A transportation safety researcher who attended the forest bathing session with a friend to unwind and appreciate the natural environment.

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What they’re saying

“When I'm here, it's almost like a protective bubble around me. It provides a shield.”

— Claire Jefferies, Human Resources Director

“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 plans to continue offering forest bathing sessions on Sunday mornings throughout the year, providing a regular opportunity for Raleigh residents to find respite from the stresses of daily life.

The takeaway

In an era of constant news and information overload, the growing popularity of forest bathing highlights the human need for restorative natural experiences. By tuning out the chaos of the outside world and immersing themselves in the calming rhythms of nature, participants are able to reduce stress, improve their mental health, and cultivate a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things.