Connecting with nature through forest bathing for improved mental wellbeing

By Gwyn Lewis, Mind Matters Staff Network, Welsh Government and Dr. Sarah Douglass, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku was first developed in Japan. It helps people to connect with nature by slowing down and immersing oneself in a forest. Research shows that it promotes mental and physical wellbeing. The evidence of its benefits is growing and as a result of this, offered within the health system in Japan.

Forest bathing with new parents who were receiving mental health support

Two years ago, in my role as a clinical psychologist, I had the opportunity to help run a forest bathing and creative writing group for new mothers receiving mental health support and their families.

During our sessions, we took walks through the forest, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. We would stop to observe the trees, plants, and wildlife, and take deep breaths of the fresh forest air. People found it calming and grounding, and it was wonderful to see the couples and their babies enjoying the beauty of nature. We would do things like noting, listening, and describing to their babies what they saw or heard.

Part of the project involved creative writing and reading to help nurture participants relationship to nature. To maintain the experience of nature beyond the forest, a printed book containing the writing done during the project was presented to the group. Having a physical book in their homes meant that parents could remember and reflect on their time in nature. The book was also something the parents could read to their babies as they grow older, sharing with them their nature experiences and hopes.

Feedback on forest bathing

Feedback from parents was very positive:

‘The creative writing aspect of it has been surprisingly very enjoyable allowing us to access that part of ourselves which often gets overlooked or pushed to the bottom of the list. The writing has helped us to process what we experienced along the walk and also for tapping into past memories, the concept of awe and how we can pass these along to our child.’

‘The experience has allowed me to reconnect with nature and let out my creative side! Highlights were walking barefoot, forest breathing and the poetry. It acted as an important reminder for us to take our time and actually enjoy life as it is now.’