Mental health is one of the strongest reasons people are turning towards nature-based wellbeing practices. Stress, anxiety, low mood and emotional fatigue are common features of modern life, especially in fast-paced urban environments.
A 2022 meta-analysis by Kang, Kim and Kim examined the effects of forest-based interventions on mental health using randomised controlled trials. The authors searched major databases and included six eligible studies, analysing outcome variables related to depression, anxiety, positive emotions and negative emotions.
The results were promising. The study reported a large overall effect size and concluded that forest-based interventions can improve mental health as a non-pharmacological intervention.
What this means in practice
This does not mean forest therapy replaces counselling, psychology, psychiatry or medical care. It does suggest that guided time in forest environments may be a useful supportive practice for people seeking better emotional balance.
What makes forest therapy different from simply going outdoors is the structure. A guided session slows the pace, reduces distractions and invites participants to notice the forest through the body. This may help shift attention away from rumination and towards sensory presence.
For individuals, this can feel like relief. For teams, it can create space to decompress, reconnect and step out of the constant performance mindset of work.
The research base is still growing, but the message is encouraging: forest-based interventions may offer a gentle, accessible way to support mental wellbeing.
Further reading: Kang et al. 2022 meta-analysis.