Or ‘Shrinrin-yoku’ as it originated as in Japan in the early 1980s.  

A Japanese study performed found that in comparison to urban living, being amongst nature for just 30 minutes a day dropped levels of stress, lowered pulse rate, and lowered blood pressure[3]

Which is why the movement began. Forest bathing is the act of walking amongst a forest, or park with no distractions and really trying to connect with the beauty of what you see, hear, feel and smell around you. With no distractions and with all these senses engaged, completely immersed in the moment. Many organisations around the UK are offering programs of forest bathing to take part in. Alternatively, just head out into nature yourself to increase your happiness! Further reports also found that levels of depression and hostility considerably dropped for the participants who spent regular time within forests! [4]

City planners are realising that living away from greenspace is having an effect on us who don’t have the time or money to escape the urban jungle. There is even a term that refers to the desire to be closer to life and living systems- 'biophilia'. Since studies found a significant decrease in mental health based on how far geographically a city dweller lives from a green space, it may be worth trying to visit some [5]

Studies have found that just visiting these spaces for 20 minutes has a great impact on your mental health as well. [6] So that may be why you’re seeing more and more urban parks popping up around you. In the warmer months, why not try and take your lunch break into the park.

It's the Winter season and you’re looking outside at the freezing, rainy weather and wondering how you can possibly get that boost of nature...we have you covered. You can bring the green to you. 

A 2008 study found that hospital patients with flowers in their room felt less anxious than those without them. [7] It's no wonder The Flower and Plants Association reported a boom with reports showing that the UK’s flower and indoor plant industry is now worth £2.2bn! [8] 

So, get online and scout Pinterest or Instagram for interior inspiration to start your indoor plant collection!  

In the warmer months, don’t forget about tending to those outdoor plants in your backyard. Getting your hands dirty in the garden has been shown to be beneficial for stress reduction and your mood! [9]

This makes sense when one looks at Okinawa, Japan. It is referred to as 'the Village of Longevity' for a reason; being the community with the highest life expectancy in the world.

They are commonly known to live an extremely low-stress life- living a community-centred existence. They spend their days tending to their gardens, preparing intricate Japanese meals with these ingredients, and sharing the creations amongst their families and the village. 

I left this one for last, as many of us in the UK live inland; so this probably isn’t as viable an option for us. But for those lucky enough to, make use of it! Because studies found that those who live close to the coast are healthier and happier than those who don’t. [10] For those of us who don’t, make use of rivers, ponds and lakes because it can still be a mood elevator!

Even better than being close to water is immersing in it. It has been shown that regular cold-water swimming may be a successful treatment of depression and anxiety.[11] More evidence is needed in this area, but there are many advocates of cold therapy.

Wim Hof, the Dutch extreme athlete, is one famous advocate who is the pioneer of the Wim Hof Method. He personally has swum underneath ice for 66 meters and climbed the highest mountains in the world in just shorts, claiming it has many physical and mental health benefits.