The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku: evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan
Park et al., 2010 · Environ. Health Prev. Med.
What they found
After walking in and viewing forests, participants had lower salivary cortisol, pulse rate and blood pressure than after the same activity in city settings.
Limits
Only young Japanese men, measured over a day or two. We don’t know how long the effect lasts or how well it applies to everyone.
How we use it
Forest sits and slow walks on immersion days.
Reviewed by Dr. [Name]May 2026