Forest Therapy

Anxiety, stress, and general disconnection is affecting many of us. A 2020 survey from the CDC found anxiety levels three times as high as in 2019 and depression levels four times as high, especially in young adults.. (New York Times, 2020) Life is moving quickly, and our connection to nature, ourselves, time, and others, is thinning.

The impact of ignoring stress and disconnection is serious. Lack of refreshment time for your brain and body leads to mental fatigue, stress induced high blood pressure, and even hormone imbalance.

Mental refreshment: “Soft fascination,” what our brains experience when viewing nature, gives our brains refreshment and replenishment, something often missing from our day and leading to fatigue. (NRPA, 2013)

Physical improvement: Simply breathing the air boosts our immune system, through inhaling “phytoncides” that trees emit for their own protection. Studies show a reduction in blood pressure and cortisol (stress hormone) levels with time spent in nature, as well.

Emotional regulation: Studies show a reduction in stress, hostility, anger, depression, and anxiety with time spent in nature.

Forest Therapy, adapted from the Japanese practice of “shinrinyoku” or “forest bathing,” is the practice of connecting with nature through all the senses. In this guided nature immersion experience, you have the opportunity to relax, reconnect with the natural world, renew your relationship with time, and share space with others.

Forest Therapy forest bathing walks are 2-3 hour sensory activity experiences. Forest bathing isn’t hiking or nature identification; it’s a chance to have a mindful interaction with nature in a new way. During the walk, your guide will suggest simple, sensory ways to interact with your surroundings. Sometimes, you’ll come back to the circle to connect with your fellow walkers. “The forest is the therapist, the guide just opens the doors,” The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) notes. Every experience is unique as we, and nature, are always changing.

Join the Next Forest Therapy Walk

Georgia Bromehead is the first and only practicing certified Forest Therapy Guide in Nashville through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). She is passionate about helping Nashvillians connect with nature and themselves in a new way. In addition to guiding and taking care of her new daughter, Georgia is currently earning her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. She hopes someday to integrate her counseling practice with Forest Therapy for a full spectrum of healing options. She notes, "We don’t have to escape to a full wilderness for a nature experience; we can connect to nature’s benefits in our urban environment. Nature is waiting for us!"

While teaching English in Japan, Georgia had surprise and admiration for the kindergarten culture. Nature was part of every day there, windows open, shoes off, animals being brought in to be studied and pet. One could look out the big open windows and only see the bottoms of giant cedar trees, close and above on the hillside. Inspired, she researched forest-based preschools and stumbled upon the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy website. A new way to connect with nature for adults? She was intrigued.

Moving back to the States, Georgia began herbal supplement guidance at a local pharmacy. She heard patients’ stories about anxiety, depression, and fatigue again and again. “This is just not me,” they’d say. It was clear that reconnecting with the healing power of nature, with the self, with time, and with others would serve not only individuals but the community as a whole.