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Have you ever heard of forest bathing? I hadn’t either until I read about it in The New York Times, “The Claim: Exposure to Plants and Parks Can Boost Immunity“.

In a series of studies, scientists found that people who spend time in nature with plenty of trees experience increased immune function. It makes perfect sense to me as I find walking in the woods with my dog to be one of the best ways to relax and relieve stress.

According to the article, stress reduction is one factor. But scientists also chalk it up to phytoncides, the airborne chemicals that plants emit to protect them from rotting and insects and which also seem to benefit humans.

Visiting nature parks for therapeutic effect has become a popular practice called “Shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing” in Japan. Learn more.

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