Reset the Stress Button

Physical activity in the from of a 40 minute walk in the forest was associated with improved mood and feelings of health and robustness. 
Levels of the stress hormone cortisol decreased in test subjects after a walk in the forest, when compared with a control group of subjects who engaged in walks within a laboratory setting. 
Forest bathing seems to significantly mitigate the root cause of a multitude of ailments: stress. 
 

​Boost Immune Functioning

Stress hormones can compromise immune defense; in particular, the activities of frontline defenders, such as antiviral natural killer cells, are suppressed by stress hormones. Since forest bathing can lower stress hormone production and elevate mood states, it’s not surprising that it also influences markers of immune system strength.
While more research is needed, some preliminary research is even suggesting possible anti-cancer benefits.
 

Kick-Start your Creativity

Time in nature improves our mental performance and creativity. One study of a group of Outward Bound participants found they performed 50 percent better on creative problem-solving tasks after three days of wilderness backpacking. The techniques of Forest Therapy taught by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs can produce similar effects in 3 hours.
 

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