When I first heard of forest bathing, my mind was instantly transported to a calming mangrove with the soft breeze rustling through the leaves and dappled sunlight blanketing my skin. Then, rudely interrupted by the sounds of the city, I wondered if there was a way to bring the trend home.
While nothing could possibly emulate the feeling of unwinding in the embrace of nature, there are certain efforts you can make in your home to bring you a touch closer. And inspiring your home with biophilic interior design is one such note.
But, there's more to know about the act of forest bathing, and the magic of sensory design in inching us towards a more restorative living space. So let's get into it.
What Is Forest Bathing?
Sensory wellbeing strategist Ngahina Richards tells me that forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, began in 1980s Japan as a health initiative to counter rising stress levels among office workers in industrial cities.
"While it draws on the sensory attentiveness of Zen Buddhism and Shinto, it is not a spiritual or fitness activity. It is a restorative practice supported by fields such as environmental psychology and neuroscience," she notes.
"By slowly and mindfully engaging the senses in nature, you can calm your nervous system, as shown through lower heart rate and blood pressure measures. This helps to rebalance focus, replenish mental energy, and reduce fatigue."
In the current busy day-to-day with tech overload and less room for connective healing, climate psychology expert Leslie Davenport finds that forest bathing can be incredibly healing. And the modern alternative that has taken its place is the rise of the wellness garden.
"Focused attention is given to the feel of the air, the scents carried on the breeze, sounds of birds, water, wind, the feel of textures, and many colors of the environment," she says. "By mindfully being present to the experience, it brings a sense of well-being and feeling of not just being in nature, but being part of nature."
Although there are so many beautiful slow living holiday destinations to explore, you don't have to wait for your next holiday to ground yourself. You can use the practice as an invitation to nurture wellness in the design of your home.
How to Create a Forest Bathing Ritual at Home
Ngahina tells me that an obvious first step is decorating with plants. But she explains that relying on plants alone is like dipping your toe in the water. In fact, the deeper effect comes from sensory layering.
"For daily energy restoration and mental clarity, create a small wellness room at home that blends visual calm, natural textures, and nature-based soundscapes such as rustling leaves or birdsong," she advises.
"Avoid overly designing in bright or contrasting colours as they can overstimulate your mind. And choose natural forest scents that you find calming and uplifting, such as pine or eucalyptus."
For restorative sleep, she recommends focusing on cozy bedroom ideas. "Use warm, dim lighting that mimics sunset, breathable natural fabrics, subtle bedroom fragrances, and a clutter-free layout that signals safety and rest," she says.
"To complete the ambiance, consider soothing soundscapes such as ocean waves to calm your brainwaves. Light colours interiors are easy on the mind, allowing for stillness and rest."
And remember to keep the experience as authentic as possible, while also resorting to forest bathing and garden grounding when you can. Like I said, there's nothing like the real thing, but these design ideas bring your home as close as possible.
Includes: Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Boston Fern
To start from the basics, you'll need some plants that clean the air, and this bundle by Beards & Daisies from H&M is a hardworking trio.
Includes: Flat Sheet, Fitted Sheet, Pillowcases
Not only is green one of the best bedding colors for sleep, but it also ties in to the forest bathing vibe without skipping a beat.
Burn Time: 60 Hours
To emulate that feel of a forest in nature through fragrance, I recommend lighting this mesmerizing Under The Trees Scented Candle by TRUDON.
Benefits of Forest Bathing
Taking time to ground your mind and body in nature is inherently restorative. So using the natural world as a guiding force to make your home feel calm is a decision that will give back tenfold.
"Forest bathing calms the nervous system, reduces stress, and restores mental clarity. The practice has been shown to improve mood, focus, and energy after just 20to 30 minutes of mindful sensory exposure to nature," says Ngahina.
"In a home setting, adapting these principles can not only reduce daily stress but also support vitality and sleep quality, vital for resilience in our overstimulated modern lives."
Like forest bathing, there are plenty of wellness ideas leading us into a more zen space of mind. So, next, let me introduce you to my new favorite trick to romanticize your bedtime — dark showering.
