Forest Bathing and workplace stress

“The earth has music for those who listen.” William Shakespeare

In the 1980s, Japanese leaders and health officials noted a spike in stress-related illnesses in people who frequently used technology and spent much of their time indoors. In response, Japan created outdoor experiences and established trail systems, encouraging people to begin Forest Bathing, walking with a certified guide on a very slow, mindful nature walk.

Forty years later, we are even more attached to technology and spend more work and leisure time indoors; not surprisingly, stress is featured in every discussion of the challenges faced in the workforce. As an avid trail runner, I move too quickly to claim forest bathing as a practice, but I can attest to the tremendous benefits of being out in nature, and data back it up. Research indicates that time in nature helps reduce stress, improve attention, boost immunity, and lift mood. It takes less than two hours per week outdoors to reap significant benefits in mind and body.

We know exercise alleviates stress, but studies show that people who walk in nature show a greater reduction in the stress hormone, cortisol, than people who walk the same amount in a lab setting. Similarly, a vacation in nature is more helpful and healthful than time off in a city. One Japanese study showed people who spent three days and two nights in a forest exhibited a greater increase in the amount and activity of immune cells that fight viruses and cancer than people who spent the same amount of time on an urban holiday.

One possible explanation for this is the effect of natural tree oils. The substance 3-carene, secreted by many herbs, vegetables, and trees, may help alleviate depression, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and even improve sleep, according to animal studies. As you walk in the woods and inhale this substance, your body responds with relief. Trees also give off phytoncides, essential oils with antimicrobial properties that may impact immunity. The Japanese study participants noted above showed an increase in immune cell activity for more than a month after their forest visit.

The evidence is compelling. Time outdoors in nature reduces cortisol levels and provides benefits to the cardiovascular system, the immune system, and emotional wellbeing. Employers can assist by enabling employees to interact with nature in ways both large and small. Plant a corporate garden. Distribute indoor herb gardens to remote employees. Provide incentives to visit local trails, botanical gardens, and arboretums. Host corporate challenges that reward nature walks. Encourage your population to listen to the music of the earth.

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Some data courtesy of Can forest therapy enhance health and well-being? - Harvard Health