Forest Bathing for Grief and Divorce Recovery: How Nature Helps You Heal
Years ago, while studying thanatology, the science of grief, loss, and bereavement. I led a walking support group for those mourning the death of a loved one. We would gather and walk among the trees, along the edges of lakes and rivers, allowing the rhythm of nature to hold space for their grief. I was learning then what I know more deeply now: the natural world can cradle grief in a way nothing else can. Trees listen without judgment. Water reminds us that life keeps moving, even in loss.
Later, when I was grieving the end of my marriage, which was marked by abuse and high conflict, I turned back to the forest. What I had once offered others, I now needed for myself.
During my studies, I explored the practice of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, a Japanese approach to healing that invites us to immerse ourselves in the sights, smells, and sounds of the forest. It’s not a hike. It’s not exercise. It’s about being, not doing. And many years later, in the wake of my own profound grief, I knew instinctively: it was time to go back to the forest.
What is Forest Bathing?
First introduced by the Japanese government in the early 1980s, forest bathing has since been widely studied for its physical and emotional health benefits. The idea is simple: by engaging all five senses in a natural setting, we activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, the one that tells us we are safe, calm, and allowed to rest. For anyone moving through the pain of grief or divorce, that kind of safety can feel incredibly rare.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Stress Relief:
Spending time in nature helps calm your body and mind. It lowers stress hormones and helps ease feelings of anxiety, anger, or sadness.Emotional Support:
Being in the forest can help lift your mood and reduce emotional exhaustion. People often report feeling more joyful and grounded after just a short time outside.Better Focus:
Even a short walk in a natural space can clear your mind and help you think more clearly. It’s like a mental reset.More Creativity:
Time away from screens and into the quiet of nature can boost your creative thinking, sometimes by a lot. One study found a 50% increase after just a few days unplugged in the woods.
Physical Benefits
Better Heart Health:
Spending time in green spaces, like parks or forests, can help lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart problems.Stronger Immunity:
Trees release natural substances called phytoncides, which help boost your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off illness.Faster Healing:
Studies show that even just seeing nature, like from a hospital window, can help you recover faster
How to Practice Forest Bathing
You don’t need to travel far to experience the healing power of nature. Here’s how you can bring forest bathing into your life:
Find a Natural Space
It doesn’t have to be a dense forest, any green space works. A local park, a tree, lined path, or even your backyard can be a great place to start.
Engage All Your Senses
Take time to truly notice your surroundings. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the rustling leaves, feel the ground beneath your feet, and even notice the smells of the forest. The goal is to be present, without distractions.Go Slow
This isn’t about exercise, it’s about being. Don’t rush. Walk slowly and let your body connect to the rhythm of nature. If you feel called to sit, do so. It was the hardest part for me and my grievers to slow it down and be in “nature” and not rush through it.Leave Your Phone Behind
To get the full benefit of forest bathing, try to leave your phone behind or put it on silent. This is your time to disconnect and be in the moment.Breathe and Be Present
Focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply and let yourself relax into the experience. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to your senses. You are here now, in this space,
Grief needs space to breath
In the aftermath of loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one or the death of a relationship, we often feel pressure to move on quickly, to “get over it,” to carry on. But nature teaches us something else: healing isn’t linear. Trees lose their leaves every year and do not apologize. Rivers take their time.
When I was deep in my own grief from the death of my parents and the end of my abusive marriage, I needed grounding. I needed the quiet wisdom of the woods. I needed to remember I was still alive, and I needed to connect to a world that could hold beauty and sorrow at the same time. It held many tears as I walked through it, for those feelings of failure to why did I marry this person in the first place and grieving who I was and who I am now.
If you’re going through a separation or loss, I invite you to try it. Go outside. Leave your timeline and expectations behind. Let the forest meet you exactly where you are. How has nature supported your healing journey? Share your thoughts below or in my YouTube comments.
You don’t have to heal all at once. You just have to keep walking.
📺 Watch my YouTube video on forest bathing and grief here.
https://youtu.be/E7PVsqrCQz8?si=GebzDI1jykJmJqyi
References
Li, Q. (2018). Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness.
Park, B.J., Tsunetsugu, Y., et al. (2010). Physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku.
Berman, M.G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science.
Atchley, R.A., Strayer, D.L., & Atchley, P. (2012). Creativity in the wild: Improving creative reasoning through immersion in natural settings. PLOS ONE.
Still grieving your ex… or something else?
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The meaning you made of your marriage.
The stability you thought you had.
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