As summer suns blaze and daily responsibilities mount, it’s easy to feel mentally taxed. Enter forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku)—an immersive experience in nature proven to reduce stress, sharpen focus, and boost emotional wellbeing.

The Science Behind the Practice

Forest bathing isn’t just a spiritual retreat—it’s backed by thousands of studies. Research demonstrates marked reductions in cortisol levels after less than an hour in green spaces. Improved attention, restful sleep, and an uplifted mood are additional benefits. Those restorative effects stem from phytoncides (plant-emitted compounds) and the multi-sensory immersion of being outside.

But what about when access to wilderness is limited?

A recent study this month explored how bringing nature inside can extend these benefits—using indoor modifications like natural wood, plant walls, and even stone—to facilitate mental restoration through “indoor nature exposure.” These self-guided kits hold out the same promise of emotional uplift, countertop-sized or apartment-friendly.

Why Forest Bathing Matters NOW

• Combat Summer Overwhelm: As temperatures rise, routines can go off-kilter. Forest immersion helps cool the mind and reduce “heat anxiety,” which includes irritability, sleep disruptions, and low motivation.
• Mid-Year Mental Check-In: June is a powerful inflection point. A mindful return to nature can improve resilience, concentration, and immunity heading into summer’s second half.
• Complement to Other Self-Care Routines: Combine it with hydration strategies, sun safety, and fresh produce diets to maximize a holistic wellness reset.

How to Practice Forest Bathing

1. Morning or Evening Walks: Choose quiet tree-lined paths. Walk slowly, notice each step.
2. Outdoor Micro-Breaks: Even under a shady tree or park bench, close your eyes and listen to ambient nature sounds.
3. Bring Nature Inside: Try crafting with natural materials, like bark or leaves. Or use indoor plants to mimic the green-immersion benefits mentioned earlier.
4. Extend It to Weekends: Plan mini hikes or visits to botanical gardens to deepen the practice.

A Nurturing Summer Routine

Forest bathing isn’t time intensive. Dedicating just 10 minutes a day to mindful presence in nature can yield significant stress relief. Layer it with your morning shower routine for a powerful combo—internal stillness from forest time and external rejuvenation from mindful showers—for resilient, balanced summer living.

By integrating these rituals—mindful showers and forest bathing—you’ll craft a June wellness routine that resonates long past the longest day.