Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, is the ancient practice of visiting a forest and breathing in its air. A Japanese nature therapy practice used as a natural remedy for stress relief and mental fatigue, forest bathing has received much scientific attention in recent years, with many studies exploring the physiological and psychological benefits of spending time in nature.
Urbanization is a growing global trend, and 68 percent of the world’s population is projected to live in urban areas by the year 2050. Urban living environments are associated with increased anxiety and mental health concerns, and urbanicity also has numerous negative impacts on physical health, including increased weight gain, poor food quality, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems when compared to those living in rural areas.