Forest Therapy Benefits

The science is clear that being in nature is good for humans. Countless studies demonstrate a wide range of benefits for our physical and mental health, including improved immunity, nervous system regulation, mood, mental clarity, attention span, creativity and more.

Forest therapy is designed to provide these proven physiological benefits, but they aren’t the main goal. So many other benefits arise when we tend to our relationship with nature, that putting them into words feels futile. Many people feel a greater sense of connectedness with nature and even humanity, which ideally inspires more compassion and greater care for the earth and each other (no small thing). People often experience glimmers of their own wholeness during forest therapy…a remembering and acceptance of their vast selves.

What I love most is witnessing or hearing about the benefits that are unique to each individual, each time. People report all sorts of varied benefits, including: insight/clarity on an issue they’ve been thinking about a while; a much-needed belly laugh; expression of an emotion they’ve been holding onto; and getting in touch with a part of themselves they had forgotten about.

Here are some quotes from people that I have guided describing how they felt after forest therapy compared to when they arrived:

How people felt after Forest Therapy with Sarah

  • Grounded

    “It was a huge difference. I felt grounded yet light. I felt a deep sense of calm and acceptance. I felt relaxed but not sleepy. I felt really good all day, it felt like the effects lasted all day.”

  • Uplifted

    “I felt substantially more serene, uplifted (rare for me in the winter months), and connected to the ecosystem, and for that I am deeply grateful! You did a wonderful job of guiding us through the steps that led me to that place, which can be difficult to achieve on one's own.”

  • Grateful

    “Gratitude. More connection with nature. Greater appreciation for this modality.”

  • Happier

    “My mind was calmer, not racing around the to-do list. I felt happier and less stressed and aggravated. My heart was filled with gratitude for the woods and the friends I was with.My shoulder and neck muscles were more relaxed.”

  • Lighter

    “By the end of the walk, I felt like a new person…. Calm, and with a renewed connection to myself and the natural world. I felt lighter and more clear headed than I have in a long time.”

  • Playful

    “I came in very tense and unable to relax. I left the forest in a playful, easeful stage. Transformative.”

  • Rejuvenated

    I was tired and achy starting out. Definitely felt heightened energy and awareness at the end, yet also a feeling of calmness. It was very restorative and rejuvenating. Best of all--by the end my aches and pains were gone!