You’re in the woods. You take a deep breath and just listen. No headphones, no conversation; you’re alone with the wind rustling the trees, the smell of the oak and — oh yeah — a guide. In the past ...

Bluebells bloom across a small forest in Shaftesbury, Dorset, United Kingdom. Studies show that forest bathing in woodlands such as this can boost physical and mental health. Photograph by Alex ...

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, involves mindfully connecting with nature to improve well-being. Research suggests spending time in nature can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve mood.

Forest bathing emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku, meaning “forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere.” Now this type of walking ...