Forest Bathing

Szitas and colleagues confirm the value of forest bathing via a literature review, they “explored the effects of forest bathing on self-criticism, self-compassion. . . . Results showed that forest bathing is associated with reductions in negative repetitive thinking regarding oneself (e.g., rumination) and enhances in self-compassion. Included studies also found benefits of forest bathing for negative affect [mood] and well-being, introspection, and mindfulness.” An important definition introduces forest bathing as a common form of nature therapy: “Forest Bathing . . . refers to mindfully walking in and viewing the forest, mindfully taking in the environment through the senses to foster a deep connection with the natural world.”
Dagmar Szitas, Julia Halamova, Lenka Ottingerova, and Maya Schroevers. 2024. “The Effects of Forest Bathing on Self-Criticism, Self-Compassion, and Self-Protection: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 97, 102372, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102372