Forest bathing: It’s the natural thing to do

Key points

• The World Health Organisation says contact with natural environments is linked to reduced stress, better mood and lower risk of chronic disease. Counsellor Gary Bruce writes that forest bathing, a Japanese practice developed in the 1980s, involves slow, mindful time in woodland using all the senses.
• He also describes earthing, which involves walking barefoot or touching trees.
• Guided forest bathing is offered at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Roma Street Gardens, though anyone can try it independently.