<div class="fr-view"><p><span lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Allow me to introduce you to the practice of ‘Forest bathing’, or ‘shinrin yoku’ as it’s known in Japan.</span></p>
<div id="zfWrap">
		<h3 class="zfTitle"></h3>
 <figure class="zfMedia zfimage">
 <img width="4608" height="3456" src="https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chris-EDHst2XFkoo-unsplash.jpg?fit=4608%2C3456&;ssl=1" class="" alt="A picture of a forest with bluebells in it." style="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chris-EDHst2XFkoo-unsplash.jpg?w=4608&;ssl=1 4608w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chris-EDHst2XFkoo-unsplash.jpg?resize=300%2C225&;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chris-EDHst2XFkoo-unsplash.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chris-EDHst2XFkoo-unsplash.jpg?resize=768%2C576&;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chris-EDHst2XFkoo-unsplash.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chris-EDHst2XFkoo-unsplash.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chris-EDHst2XFkoo-unsplash.jpg?resize=200%2C150&;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chris-EDHst2XFkoo-unsplash.jpg?resize=360%2C270&;ssl=1 360w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chris-EDHst2XFkoo-unsplash.jpg?resize=545%2C409&;ssl=1 545w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chris-EDHst2XFkoo-unsplash.jpg?w=2320&;ssl=1 2320w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chris-EDHst2XFkoo-unsplash.jpg?w=3480&;ssl=1 3480w" sizes="(max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px" data-hero-candidate="" /> <figcaption class="zfCaption">
 <cite class="zfCredit">
					<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/green-leaf-trees-during-daytime-EDHst2XFkoo"
					 target="_blank"
					 rel="nofollow noopener">Unsplash - Chris - 'chris23'</a></cite>
 </figcaption>
 </figure>
<p>An image of a path going through a forest during Spring with bluebells and on either side of it.</p><div class="zf-story_item">
 <h2 class="zf_title">What is Forest bathing?</h2>
 <div class="zf_description">
 <p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">‘</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Forest bathing’ is a Japanese practice that involves taking a stroll through a forest, whilst keeping your mind in the present moment, allowing yourself to be immersed in the sensory experience of being surrounded by trees and nature.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">At this point, you might be asking, “How can this reduce my stress?” Well, read on to find out!</span></p> </div>
</div><div class="zf-story_item">
 <h2 class="zf_title">The benefits of forest bathing</h2>
 <div class="zf_description">
 <p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Here is a quick history lesson. ‘Forest bathing’ originated in Japan, where, in the 1980s, scientists conducted an experiment where a group of individuals were asked to spend an extended time in a forest, fully engaged with their natural surroundings.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">The results of this experiment and further research throughout the next few decades discovered that spending an extended time immersed in nature like this can:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p><ul><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="0" data-font="Arial" data-leveltext="-" data-list-defn-props='{"335551671":0,"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Arial","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"-","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}' data-listid="1"><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Lower blood pressure</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p></li><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Arial" data-leveltext="-" data-list-defn-props='{"335551671":0,"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Arial","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"-","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}' data-listid="1"><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Lower levels of the stress hormone, ‘Cortisol’</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p></li><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Arial" data-leveltext="-" data-list-defn-props='{"335551671":0,"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Arial","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"-","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}' data-listid="1"><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Improve ;concentration and memory.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p></li><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Arial" data-leveltext="-" data-list-defn-props='{"335551671":0,"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Arial","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"-","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}' data-listid="1"><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Boost the immune system (this is due to chemicals called ‘Phytoncides’ that are released by trees!)</span></p></li></ul> </div>
</div><h3 class="zfTitle"></h3>
 <figure class="zfMedia zfimage">
 <img width="3637" height="2433" src="https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/alex-harwood-1_5AxFTbyFk-unsplash.jpg?fit=3637%2C2433&;ssl=1" class="" alt="" style="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/alex-harwood-1_5AxFTbyFk-unsplash.jpg?w=3637&;ssl=1 3637w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/alex-harwood-1_5AxFTbyFk-unsplash.jpg?resize=300%2C201&;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/alex-harwood-1_5AxFTbyFk-unsplash.jpg?resize=1024%2C685&;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/alex-harwood-1_5AxFTbyFk-unsplash.jpg?resize=768%2C514&;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/alex-harwood-1_5AxFTbyFk-unsplash.jpg?resize=1536%2C1028&;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/alex-harwood-1_5AxFTbyFk-unsplash.jpg?resize=2048%2C1370&;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/alex-harwood-1_5AxFTbyFk-unsplash.jpg?resize=360%2C241&;ssl=1 360w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/alex-harwood-1_5AxFTbyFk-unsplash.jpg?resize=545%2C365&;ssl=1 545w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/alex-harwood-1_5AxFTbyFk-unsplash.jpg?w=2320&;ssl=1 2320w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/alex-harwood-1_5AxFTbyFk-unsplash.jpg?w=3480&;ssl=1 3480w" sizes="(max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px" /> <figcaption class="zfCaption">
 <cite class="zfCredit">
					<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-lush-green-forest-filled-with-lots-of-trees-1_5AxFTbyFk"
					 target="_blank"
					 rel="nofollow noopener">Unsplash - Alex Harwood</a></cite>
 </figcaption>
 </figure>
<p>An image of a lush green forest filled with lots of trees.</p><div class="zf-story_item">
 <h2 class="zf_title">How to get started</h2>
 <div class="zf_description">
 <p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Despite what you might think, it's easy to try forest bathing yourself! Here is a helpful guide to get started.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Step 1: Find a forest near you (you can also do this in any quiet, natural space if you don’t have a forest near you).</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Step 2: Switch off – for you to be fully present, it’s recommended that you turn off your phone or silence your notifications.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Step 3: Start to wander slowly through the forest. As you do so, take slow, deep breaths, exhaling longer than you inhale. ;</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Step 4: Notice your surroundings. Ask yourself: What can I see, hear, feel, or smell? For example, maybe you can see sunlight streaming through the trees, or you can hear birdsong. Perhaps you can hear water gushing down a nearby stream?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Step 5: Stay as long as possible. According to The National Trust, to get the most benefits out of forest bathing, you should spend two hours exploring. However, if you’re running short on time, you can still benefit from the practice by spending just ten minutes wandering through the environment.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p> </div>
</div><h3 class="zfTitle"></h3>
 <figure class="zfMedia zfimage">
 <img width="4815" height="3210" src="https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kate-russell-bEjkh4aO7Hk-unsplash.jpg?fit=4815%2C3210&;ssl=1" class="" alt="" style="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kate-russell-bEjkh4aO7Hk-unsplash.jpg?w=4815&;ssl=1 4815w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kate-russell-bEjkh4aO7Hk-unsplash.jpg?resize=300%2C200&;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kate-russell-bEjkh4aO7Hk-unsplash.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kate-russell-bEjkh4aO7Hk-unsplash.jpg?resize=768%2C512&;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kate-russell-bEjkh4aO7Hk-unsplash.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kate-russell-bEjkh4aO7Hk-unsplash.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kate-russell-bEjkh4aO7Hk-unsplash.jpg?resize=360%2C240&;ssl=1 360w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kate-russell-bEjkh4aO7Hk-unsplash.jpg?resize=545%2C363&;ssl=1 545w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kate-russell-bEjkh4aO7Hk-unsplash.jpg?w=2320&;ssl=1 2320w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kate-russell-bEjkh4aO7Hk-unsplash.jpg?w=3480&;ssl=1 3480w" sizes="(max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px" /> <figcaption class="zfCaption">
 <cite class="zfCredit">
					<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-small-bird-perched-on-a-tree-branch-bEjkh4aO7Hk"
					 target="_blank"
					 rel="nofollow noopener">Unsplash - Kate Russell - 'fotosbyflora'</a></cite>
 </figcaption>
 </figure>
<p>An image of a Robin perched on a tree branch.</p><h3 class="zfTitle"></h3>
 <figure class="zfMedia zfimage">
 <img width="4608" height="3072" src="https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/eugene-5ugMfo205Bc-unsplash.jpg?fit=4608%2C3072&;ssl=1" class="" alt="" style="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/eugene-5ugMfo205Bc-unsplash.jpg?w=4608&;ssl=1 4608w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/eugene-5ugMfo205Bc-unsplash.jpg?resize=300%2C200&;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/eugene-5ugMfo205Bc-unsplash.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/eugene-5ugMfo205Bc-unsplash.jpg?resize=768%2C512&;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/eugene-5ugMfo205Bc-unsplash.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/eugene-5ugMfo205Bc-unsplash.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/eugene-5ugMfo205Bc-unsplash.jpg?resize=360%2C240&;ssl=1 360w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/eugene-5ugMfo205Bc-unsplash.jpg?resize=545%2C363&;ssl=1 545w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/eugene-5ugMfo205Bc-unsplash.jpg?w=2320&;ssl=1 2320w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/eugene-5ugMfo205Bc-unsplash.jpg?w=3480&;ssl=1 3480w" sizes="(max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px" /> <figcaption class="zfCaption">
 <cite class="zfCredit">
					<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-small-waterfall-with-moss-growing-on-the-rocks-5ugMfo205Bc"
					 target="_blank"
					 rel="nofollow noopener">Unsplach - Eugene - 'eugenegrunge'</a></cite>
 </figcaption>
 </figure>
<p>An image of a small waterfall with moss growing on the rocks.</p><div class="zf-story_item">
 <h2 class="zf_title">My experience of forest bathing</h2>
 <div class="zf_description">
 <p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Recently, I was working on an ETMA and found myself becoming increasingly overwhelmed. Eventually, I decided to go to my local forest to try out forest bathing for myself. As I wandered through the area, I felt present and immersed in my surroundings. Being away from my phone allowed me to spot little details, like the way the leaves rustled in the gentle breeze and the sound of twigs snapping beneath my feet. ;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">Despite only spending about 15 minutes wandering around, by the end, I felt relaxed and ready to return home. As I was working on my assignment later that day, I noticed that my mind felt clearer and my concentration levels had improved.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p> </div>
</div><h3 class="zfTitle"></h3>
 <figure class="zfMedia zfimage">
 <img width="4368" height="2912" src="https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mche-lee-1chmwRMaeAs-unsplash.jpg?fit=4368%2C2912&;ssl=1" class="" alt="" style="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mche-lee-1chmwRMaeAs-unsplash.jpg?w=4368&;ssl=1 4368w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mche-lee-1chmwRMaeAs-unsplash.jpg?resize=300%2C200&;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mche-lee-1chmwRMaeAs-unsplash.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mche-lee-1chmwRMaeAs-unsplash.jpg?resize=768%2C512&;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mche-lee-1chmwRMaeAs-unsplash.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mche-lee-1chmwRMaeAs-unsplash.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mche-lee-1chmwRMaeAs-unsplash.jpg?resize=360%2C240&;ssl=1 360w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mche-lee-1chmwRMaeAs-unsplash.jpg?resize=545%2C363&;ssl=1 545w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mche-lee-1chmwRMaeAs-unsplash.jpg?w=2320&;ssl=1 2320w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mche-lee-1chmwRMaeAs-unsplash.jpg?w=3480&;ssl=1 3480w" sizes="(max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px" /> <figcaption class="zfCaption">
 <cite class="zfCredit">
					<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-path-in-the-woods-with-trees-growing-on-the-ground-1chmwRMaeAs"
					 target="_blank"
					 rel="nofollow noopener">Unsplash - MChe Lee - 'mclee'</a></cite>
 </figcaption>
 </figure>
<p>An image of a path in the woods with trees growing in the ground</p><div class="zf-story_item">
 <h2 class="zf_title">Conclusion and more resources</h2>
 <div class="zf_description">
 <p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">So, if you find yourself needing a break from your studies, shut down your laptop, turn off your phone, and go for a wander through the forest. You might be surprised at how you feel afterwards.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">To find out more about forest bathing, you can visit the links below to read the articles from which I sourced the information for this post!</span></p><ul><li><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB">The National Trust -</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ;</span><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/nature/trees-plants/a-beginners-guide-to-forest-bathing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A beginner's guide to forest bathing</a></li><li>Forestry England - <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/blog/forest-bathing#two-column-31021" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to start forest bathing</a></li><li>National Geographic - <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/forest-bathing-nature-walk-health" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The secret to mindful travel? A walk in the woods</a></li><li>Forest Holidays UK - <a href="https://www.forestholidays.co.uk/things-to-do/forest-bathing/benefits/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Forest Bathing benefits - How shinrin-yoku can soothe your body and mind</a></li></ul> </div>
</div><h3 class="zfTitle"></h3>
 <figure class="zfMedia zfimage">
 <img width="2500" height="2500" src="https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/master-unknown-NcdX4TwIICc-unsplash.jpg?fit=2500%2C2500&;ssl=1" class="" alt="" style="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/master-unknown-NcdX4TwIICc-unsplash.jpg?w=2500&;ssl=1 2500w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/master-unknown-NcdX4TwIICc-unsplash.jpg?resize=300%2C300&;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/master-unknown-NcdX4TwIICc-unsplash.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/master-unknown-NcdX4TwIICc-unsplash.jpg?resize=150%2C150&;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/master-unknown-NcdX4TwIICc-unsplash.jpg?resize=768%2C768&;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/master-unknown-NcdX4TwIICc-unsplash.jpg?resize=1536%2C1536&;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/master-unknown-NcdX4TwIICc-unsplash.jpg?resize=2048%2C2048&;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/master-unknown-NcdX4TwIICc-unsplash.jpg?resize=360%2C360&;ssl=1 360w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/master-unknown-NcdX4TwIICc-unsplash.jpg?resize=545%2C545&;ssl=1 545w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/master-unknown-NcdX4TwIICc-unsplash.jpg?resize=350%2C350&;ssl=1 350w, https://i0.wp.com/thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/master-unknown-NcdX4TwIICc-unsplash.jpg?w=2320&;ssl=1 2320w" sizes="(max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px" /> <figcaption class="zfCaption">
 <cite class="zfCredit">
					<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-dirt-road-in-the-woods-NcdX4TwIICc"
					 target="_blank"
					 rel="nofollow noopener">Unsplash - Master Unknown - 'exp00'</a></cite>
 </figcaption>
 </figure>
<p>An image of a dirt road in the woods with sunlight shining through the trees.</p>
 </div>



</div>
Forest bathing – find your inner peace with a walk through the forest
Are you feeling stressed? With ETMAs on the horizon, now is the perfect time for you to try out a mindfulness practice that will help you de-stress.
What's Your Reaction?
2 Comments
Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Thanks for posting. That was a nice article! I’m tempted to try its myself but have to admit I’m quite out off by cold water.
lovely article and i particularly loved this idea, so will have to give it a try!