Forest Bathing is the Japanese practice of mindfully spending time in nature and engaging with the five senses. This practice can provide many physical and mental benefits and is an easy way to practice mindfulness. Forest Bathing became a formalized practice in Japan in the 1980s to mitigate the negative impacts associated with long workdays and the culture of overworking in Tokyo. Forest Bathing encourages people to engage with their senses while spending time in a forest, park or other natural environment, even one’s backyard or garden. Simply taking the time to pause and listen, see, smell, touch and engage with the natural environment can have many benefits including a boost in mood, elevated focus, better sleep and decreases in blood pressure and cortisol levels.
Forest Bathing Locations on University Park Campus
- The Arboretum
- Hintz Alumni Garden
- The Palmer Museum Sculpture Garden
- The Schreyer Garden
- HUB lawn gazebo
- Millennium Science Complex garden
- Wooded path behind Theatre Building
It would be lovely to add to the list of locations for forest bathing that include other campuses. What about the amazing arboretum at Penn State Mont Alto, for example?
Great idea! We’ll do some research.