Shinrin Yoku: Why forest bathing is good for you

Can we really boost our immune system and feelings of wellbeing on our daily lockdown exercise?

Big time! You just need trees.

Forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku) is a much researched activity in Japan, where scientists have found that a simple walk in a local forest will yield unusually high health benefits. 

Essentially, trees release scents, known as phytoncides – which fight off harmful insects and germs. When breathed in by humans, they boost our natural killer cells (NK activity) by up to 20%; lower our production of cortisol (stress hormone); and reduce our sympathetic nerve activity (fight or flight response).

These are huge findings. So much so that corporations in Japan allocate forest bathing time to employees to reduce volume of sick days taken. It works.

So next time you’re out, try finding somewhere with tall, mature trees – and give them a good sniff when nobody’s looking.