Prabhan Sak Raksaiwan

Managing Director

LWSS Wisdom and Solutions Co., Ltd.

As we enter the final stretch of 2025, how is everyone doing? This year has been tough for many, leading to increased stress, mental health issues, and depression. According to reports from the Department of Mental Health, Thailand is seeing a rise in stress and depression cases, with the number of patients increasing fivefold in 2024 compared to 2023. The latest data from August 2025 from the Health Promotion Fund Office, Ministry of Public Health, indicates that 13.4 million Thais are suffering from mental health issues, with depression, anxiety, and stress being the most common conditions, largely due to economic, work, and family problems.

The stress experienced has prompted the search for therapeutic approaches, both through medication and natural remedies. In Japan, a natural therapy concept known as 'Forest Bathing' or Shinrin-yoku has been adopted. This idea emerged in Japan during the 1980s, a time when the country was facing stress and health issues stemming from a fast-paced urban lifestyle.

The government sought ways to restore public health by utilizing the abundant natural resources, particularly forests, aiming to promote both physical and mental well-being through time spent in nature, especially in forests or green spaces.

This concept does not refer to literal bathing but rather to engaging all the senses to immerse oneself in the forest atmosphere—breathing in the scents of soil and vegetation, listening to birdsong and the wind, observing sunlight filtering through the branches, and feeling the texture of tree bark or leaves.

'Forest Bathing' for Body and Mind Restoration

Numerous studies on forest bathing conducted by educational institutions and health and forestry agencies, with Japan leading in research and dissemination, have shown the relationship between forest bathing and bodily and mental functions. For example, research by Dr. Qing Li from Nippon Medical School, published in 2010, and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology has demonstrated the benefits of forest bathing.

  • Reduces blood pressure and stress hormones: Forest bathing helps lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, a stress indicator.
  • Boosts immune system: Inhaling phytoncides, volatile substances from trees, enhances the activity of NK Cells (Natural Killer Cells), which play a crucial role in fighting cancer cells and viruses.
  • Reduces fatigue: Spending just a few hours in the forest can significantly restore physical energy.
  • Reduces stress and anxiety: Forest bathing alleviates feelings of stress, anger, and worry.
  • Enhances focus and memory: Time spent in nature helps restore directed attention and fosters creativity.
  • Creates positive emotions: Participants in forest bathing activities often report feeling more relaxed, calm, and happier, which can help reduce depression in the long term.


Forest Bathing in Urban Areas

The concept of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) can be integrated into daily life by creating 'moments of connection with nature' to reduce stress and enhance mental well-being. You can practice forest bathing in nearby green spaces such as parks, gardens, or even at home with the following methods:

  • Walk in a park: Take time to walk slowly, observe trees and grass, listen to birds, and feel different textures.
  • Spend time in your backyard: If you have a garden, sit quietly, inhale the scents of flowers or leaves, and observe the movements of insects.
  • Create a green space at home: Plant potted plants or set up vertical gardens indoors to stay close to nature and care for it daily.
  • Open windows for light and air: Open windows to let sunlight and fresh air into your home during the morning or evening, helping you feel refreshed and connected to the outside world.
  • Engage with natural materials: Observe and touch surfaces made from natural materials, such as wooden tables, linen sofas, or terracotta tiles.
  • Sip herbal tea: Brewing tea from natural plants like chamomile or mint and inhaling its aroma can be a calming activity.
  • Watch nature videos and listen to natural sounds: If you can't go outside, find videos or sounds of nature, such as waterfalls or ocean waves, and take a moment to listen attentively.


Designing Spaces at Home that Connect with Nature

Garden spaces or even small corners in your home can become your personal forest bathing retreats by enhancing connections with nature through simple adjustments, such as:

  • Using natural materials: Incorporating wood, stone, and natural materials as primary components in construction and decoration creates a warm and inviting atmosphere while reflecting environmental sustainability.
  • Utilizing natural light: Designing large openings, such as wide windows or glass roofs, allows maximum natural light into the building, creating a sense of openness and connection to the outside world.
  • Creating green spaces: Adding green areas within the building, such as vertical gardens, rooftop gardens, or indoor landscaping, helps purify the air and reduce indoor temperatures while promoting relaxation and freshness.
  • Designing for nature access: Creating pathways that connect indoor spaces to outdoor areas, such as balconies, terraces, or outdoor patios, allows residents to easily experience nature.

In a time of economic slowdown and environmental pollution, transforming your home into a relaxation space for both body and mind is an option for urban dwellers. Whether it's a small house, a large one, or an apartment, you can 'forest bathe' to unwind. As we welcome the New Year in three months, how have your home improvements been? Feel free to share with us! For more content, visit www.lws.co.th.

See you next month!