The Quiet Power of Forest Bathing
Across Australia and around the world, we are witnessing signs of a deep imbalance. Rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness are rising. So too, are the signs of ecological distress - record heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires. The algal bloom in South Australian waters reminds us to look beyond the surface to understand how to strengthen resilience during these troubling times. Several researchers and environmental thinkers argue that these crises share a common root: our disconnection from the natural world.
Biologist E.O. Wilson introduced the biophilia hypothesis – humans’ innate need to connect with the natural world. When that bond is broken, we suffer from what Richard Louv calls nature-deficit disorder, linked to rising rates of physical and emotional illnesses. Glenn Albrecht coined the term solastalgia, to describe the distress caused by environmental damage, such as climate change, mining, or natural disasters.
It's easy to feel powerless, anxious and disconnected, yet forest bathing offers a quiet but powerful antidote. Rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku – translated as “forest bath”, this practice invites us to slow down, tune into our senses, and immerse ourselves in the forest atmosphere. Research shows that forest bathing can lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure and heart rate (Park et al., 2010), improve sleep (Morita et al., 2011) boost immune function by approximately 50% (Li et al., 2007), improve creativity (Yu & Hsieh, 2020), improve mood and decrease fatigue and confusion (Chen et al., 2025). These are just some of the many documented benefits of forest bathing.
Beyond individual health, forest bathing can strengthen social cohesion and help communities process eco-anxiety. Studies show that shared experiences in nature can cultivate connection, reduce loneliness, and build collective resilience (Henderson et al., 2024). In doing so, forest bathing helps foster hope, calm and purpose – qualities essential for facing the challenges of climate change.
More broadly, how does forest bathing positively impact the environment? Forest bathing offers a rich experience of connecting with nature in a typically unconventional way, rekindling the wonder many of us have lost. When people feel connected to the natural world, they are more likely to protect it through conscious choices, local action and environmental advocacy. It is a pathway to nurturing a sustainable relationship with the environment.
Funding forest bathing programs supports mental and physical health, connects communities and nurtures ecological stewardship – three essential pillars of a resilient, sustainable future. Our health and the health of the planet are inextricably linked. When we care for nature, nature cares for us.
