Walking in Nature: Forest Bathing and Tree Therapy, the New Frontiers of Wellbeing, Especially During the Pandemic

Escaping the city. When Covid shows no sign of abating and even going to the gym can be a source of anxiety and concern, walking trails through the countryside, woods, parks, and mountains have become the true frontier of wellbeing—keeping the body in shape while recalibrating the mind.

Since the spread of the pandemic, more and more people have turned to hiking, trekking, and Nordic walking (walking with poles) to find a few hours of relief from urban stress and breathe freely. Among the new wellness trends for nature lovers, the Mindtrek—a combination of trekking and Tibetan meditation created by Italian Guido Freddi—and the Buddhi Walk—a “yogic” walk popular in the United States—are gaining traction. The practice combines walking in nature with pauses for yoga, mindful breathing, and relaxation, through simple stretching movements and asana poses from Hatha Yoga.

Even a snowshoe walk can become a “detox” moment for body and spirit: the key is to truly immerse yourself in nature, enjoying silence, breathing deeply, and listening to the sounds of the environment. In Italy, these are the months when snowshoe enthusiasts gather to explore new trails in the Apennines or the Alps.

Let’s not forget that more and more tour operators are offering trips focused on remise en forme, beauty, and connection with nature. The combination of hotel, spa, and forest walks is becoming a must for travelers increasingly aware of the importance of both physical and mental wellbeing.

To enjoy walking in nature, especially in winter, it’s best to be properly equipped: trekking shoes, layered clothing that’s warm, light, and breathable, and a backpack with a water bottle, protein bars, nuts, or dark chocolate. It’s also essential to carry a paper map of the trails, since GPS signal may not always be available. Don’t forget a lightweight waterproof jacket in case of sudden rain.

One of the latest trends is combining walking with Mindfulness, helping to free the mind from recurring or obsessive thoughts. In Japan, Forest Bathing—a symbolic “bath” in the forest—has become extremely popular as a way to reconnect with leaves, tree trunks, moss, or snow. Tree Therapy is also included in psychological and psychiatric rehabilitation programs in some American hospitals to help individuals regain calm and inner balance through contact with trees. During winter, it’s advisable to bring a padded waterproof mat to sit on, lean your back against a tree trunk, cross your legs, and spend a few minutes breathing slowly and deeply through the nose, with eyes half-closed.

Forest Bathing and Tree Therapy are also proven ways to strengthen the immune system, as confirmed by a large number of studies conducted by major U.S. universities.

However, remember that one should not improvise as a walker. It’s important to be prepared and to always stretch at the end of your route. As a wellness routine, a warm bath with essential oils after every nature walk is highly recommended, followed by a gentle almond oil massage to make the skin soft and smooth. A bath is preferable to a shower, as it helps the body fully absorb the relaxation and benefits gained from contact with an unspoiled, silent natural environment. Not by chance, especially in South Tyrol and across Northern Europe, spa treatments after mountain hikes are a well-established tradition. Think of the Finnish people and their “sauna culture,” a ritual for detoxifying the body, skin, and mind.

Last but not least, always protect your facial skin with a high-SPF cream to prevent sunspots that may form—especially in the mountains or at high altitudes—even on cloudy days or without direct sun exposure.

Maria Serena Patriarca