It 'might sound too good to be true'

People participate in a forest bathing exercise in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota.

People participate in a Shinrin Yoku, or 'forest bathing' exercise in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota.

(Image credit: Jerry Holt / Star Tribune via Getty Images)

published 9 July 2024

'Feeling stressed? Try forest bathing.'

Leana S. Wen at The Washington Post

The "idea that being in nature can be therapeutic is not new, but it was only in the last two decades that researchers began documenting the health benefits of forest immersion," says Leana S. Wen. The "potential preventive effects of forest bathing are convincing enough that people should give it a try," and it is also "spreading the message that human well-being is inextricably tied to the well-being of the natural environment around us."

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Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.