Summertime is underway and the weather is GORGEOUS! But no matter how appealing the weather may look, it can still be difficult to find the time or motivation to go outside. In a world filled with constant notifications, busy schedules, and indoor routines, I suggest we rediscover a simple, restorative practice: forest bathing. Despite its name, forest bathing doesn’t involve water at all. Instead, it invites us to immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world.

An Autumnal view of the stairs leading into the trees at my favorite park – Strathcona Park in Ottawa, ON (2023)

As Dr. Qing Li explains in his book Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness, the concept of forest bathing comes from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which translates to “taking in the forest atmosphere.” Developed in Japan in the 1980s as a public health initiative to reduce stress levels and improve overall health, forest bathing encourages slowing down and mindfully engaging with nature. Rather than hiking for exercise or reaching a destination, the focus is on presence (i.e. walking slowly, breathing deeply, and noticing the details often overlooked in daily life).

I first learned about the concept of forest bathing while taking a Meditation in Nature course during undergrad. Like a lot of students, I had seasons where everything felt like too much, whether it be classes, deadlines, or just trying to keep up with life in general. One thing that helped me stay grounded was making it a point to visit the local arboretum whenever I could (usually about once a month) where I’d turn off my music, put my phone away, and just walk.

At first, it felt a little strange not having something playing in my ears or something to distract me, but over time, those walks became something I really relied on and, gradually, I started to notice the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, the way the air smelled after it rained, or how quiet everything felt compared to campus. It gave my brain a chance to slow down in a way nothing else really did (shout out to Nichols Arboretum for helping me maintain my sanity for four years!).

A Spring view from my hammock in Eau Claire, WI (2026) – A great reminder that you can forest bathe while laying down!

That’s really all that forest bathing is about: inspiring you to slow down, leave the stress/demands in life behind and just exist as a human being on Earth. We often feel we’re too busy to slow down, but I challenge you to walk through a park or wooded trail and actually pause to listen to birds, feel the texture of tree bark, or watch sunlight filter through the leaves, and just let yourself notice things. The good news is, you don’t need a huge forest or any special gear to try it. Any local park, a trail, or even a quiet green space will do. Forest bathing takes these small moments in nature a step further by encouraging you to be intentional about it, rather than just passing through. It sounds small, but these moments of attention can make a big difference in how you feel and may inspire you to think with more curiosity and openness.

As a public library, we love promoting access and helping people explore ideas like this from all angles. Along with getting outside, you can also dive into books on mindfulness, nature writing, and outdoor exploration to deepen the experience.

If you check out the book list linked here, maybe take one of those books with you on your next walk. Find a bench, read a few pages, then look up and see what’s around you. You might find (like I did) that spending time in nature isn’t just a nice break, it’s something you come to depend on.

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