In a recent investigation, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse have discovered that children experiencing mental health challenges can benefit significantly from exposure to nature, particularly through the practice of forest bathing.
Conducted during the summer, the study involved twelve children aged 9 to 14, all grappling with mental health issues such as anxiety and/or depression. These participants engaged in guided forest therapy in a La Crosse forest, with noteworthy positive outcomes.
Namyun Kil, the study’s author and an associate professor in UW-La Crosse’s Recreation Management & Recreation Therapy department, remarked, “There’s a significant decrease in blood pressure. Their energy level increased. Their concentration level increased, and the level of stress decreased.”
Published last month in the International Journal of Mental Health Promotion Psychological and Physiological Health, the study sheds light on the benefits of forest bathing. This practice, characterized by a slow, mindful immersion in nature, is typically led by trained instructors and has been shown in studies conducted abroad to offer various physical and mental health advantages.
Encouraged by these findings, Kil advocates for parents to spend more time in nature with their children, especially those facing mental health challenges like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Kil referred to this approach as “nature’s prescription,” emphasizing a preference for nature connection over medication.
Ongoing studies by Kil explore the potential benefits of forest bathing for military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and its comparative impact on physical health against a brisk walk in nature.
Forest therapy guide Kate Bast, owner of Shinrin-yoku Madison, expressed her agreement with the study’s findings. She noted the practice’s positive impact, including reduced blood pressure and enhanced relaxation, consistent with other studies on forest bathing.
Bast likened having a forest therapy guide to taking a class from a yoga instructor, emphasizing the role of instructors in managing various aspects of the experience and ensuring participants feel safe. Shinrin-yoku, originating in Japan in the 1980s, involves a slow, deliberate connection with nature, promoting mindfulness.
While individuals can independently visit forests, Bast highlighted the value of having a guide, stating, “We manage all the aspects of the walk and help people feel safe. But it’s also learning how to be in nature in this particular way.”
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Bast experienced increased demand for her services. As people sought both social and nature connections, forest bathing emerged as a beneficial and enjoyable activity during uncertain times.
