Chelsea Kincheloe, Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation
Cynara Medina, Nevada Division of Forestry
December 31, 2024
As a society that often feels dominated by the “rise and grind” culture and is still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, feelings of stress, anxiety and depression have risen in recent years. As reported by the American Psychological Association, one-third of adults across the country said they feel completely stressed out no matter what they try to manage it. 36% of adults don’t know where to start regarding stress management.
One way to help bring yourself (and your mental health) peace is by embracing the miles upon miles of nature and forested lands we are fortunate to have right here in northern Nevada. A practice that has gained significant attention in recent years is the Japanese notion of Shinrin-yoku, otherwise known as “forest bathing.”
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing involves spending time in a forest or wooded area while engaging with nature using your accessible senses: touch, sight, smell, taste and hearing. It’s all about being present and mindful in the environment, letting go of distractions and allowing the natural surroundings to “wash” over you (hence the “bathing” part of the name).
Slowing down and reconnecting with the earth are two central principles of forest bathing, from breathing in fresh air and basking in the sun to listening to the sounds of the trees and observing light through the leaves.
Forest bathing doesn’t even necessarily have to happen in a forest. Any local park or garden you have access can offer similar mental health benefits.
What is the Link Between Forest Bathing and Mental Health?
The practice of being in nature and focusing on your surroundings can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. According to Harvard Medical School, spending time in nature and participating in activities like forest bathing for 20 minutes daily can enhance overall well-being.
When we spend time in nature, our cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormone) lower, leading to increased feelings of relaxation. In fact, Harvard Medical School suggests that “exposure to natural tree oils” can help improve mood, reduce blood pressure and relieve anxiety.
The calming, restorative effect of nature can be compared to mindfulness meditation. This practice can help reduce negative thought patterns and improve mental health.
How Can I Practice Forest Bathing to Enhance My Mental Health?
As we take a trip through the human body, we eventually reach the mind, holding the keys to our thoughts, memories and behaviors. And although the mind is resilient, it might not always feel that way, especially amidst the obstacles many face day-by-day.
That’s where the importance of mental healthcare comes in – and northern Nevada needs it more than ever. In Washoe County alone, nearly one in five community members reported two or more straight weeks of poor mental health. With feelings of distress, depression, anxiety and stress on the rise, not to mention how addiction disproportionately affects Nevadans, we need a team of professionals devoted to helping the mind heal.
Enter the Behavioral Health department at Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), where healing always remains top of mind (pun intended). From the providers on the frontlines to the administrative staff handling everything behind-the-scenes, every member of this team has one commitment in mind: standing beside people as they find their way forward.
We’ve all experienced a pesky health issue at one time or another that, while not an emergency, is annoying nonetheless. Whether it be a respiratory illness like the flu, a cold or a minor injury such as a cut or a sprain, you have likely felt the need to get seen promptly to start feeling better as soon as possible. So, where do you go? What care team can you turn to?
Answer: Renown Urgent Care. This dynamic department of doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, radiology technologists, practice site leaders, patient access representatives and more sees patients every day of the year both in-person and via telehealth for a diverse list of acute health conditions. For patients who need quick yet non-emergent care, the ease and convenience of walking into a practice just a short distance away is a result of our talented team at our Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fernley and Fallon Urgent Care locations.
Spending time in the great outdoors is undoubtedly beneficial for our physical and emotional health. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, getting outside and experiencing “green space” is linked to a reduced risk of chronic disease or even death.
