Episode Summary:
In this episode of DriveTime Debrief, we explore the powerful practice of forest bathing, its scientifically-backed benefits, and how physicians can incorporate it into their busy lives. Originating in Japan in the 1980s, forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, is a nature-immersion technique that has proven benefits for mental health, immune function, and cardiovascular well-being.

Discover how spending even 10–15 minutes in nature can help reduce stress, boost immunity, and improve mindfulness. We share actionable tips to make forest bathing part of your routine and discuss how to introduce it to patients as a complementary wellness tool.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What Is Forest Bathing?

Why It’s Relevant for Physicians:

The Science Behind Forest Bathing:

Practical Applications for Physicians:

Techniques for Forest Bathing:

Introducing Forest Bathing to Patients:

Addressing Barriers:

Weekly Homework Challenge:
Take 10–15 minutes this week to immerse yourself in nature. Notice how you feel before and after. If you’re unable to get outside, try listening to a natural soundscape or adding greenery indoors.

We’d love to hear about your experience! Email us at [email protected].

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Us:
If you’re feeling stressed or burned out, schedule a session with one of our physician coaches. You are whole, you are a gift to medicine, and the work you do matters.

Tune in Next Week:
Join us for another episode focused on practical wellness strategies for busy physicians!

Resources:

Talk to a physician coach with our complimentary Physician Wellness Triage

Free Video: “How to Crush Physician Burnout (for Good) without Cutting Back Hours, Quitting Medicine, or Suffering in Silence.”

Park, B.-J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2010). The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing): Evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 15(1), 18–26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-009-0086-9

Li, Q. (2010). Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 15(1), 9–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3

Kotera, Y., Richardson, M., & Sheffield, D. (2019). Effects of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and nature therapy on mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02067

Lee, J., Park, B.-J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2011). The restorative effects of viewing real forest landscapes: Based on a comparison with urban landscapes. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research, 26(3), 227–234. https://doi.org/10.1080/02827581.2011.564567

Hansen, M. M., Jones, R., & Tocchini, K. (2017). Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) and nature therapy: A state-of-the-art review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(8), 851. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14080851