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People 'bathe' in nature to get respite from chaotic news cycle
About a dozen participants engaged in Shinrin-yoku to reduce stress and boost mood, seeking a break from news about the Iran war and rising gas prices, experts said.
- On Sunday, March 22, 2026, a Sunday morning Shinrin-yoku session took place at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum led by certified forest therapy guide Shawn Ramsey, lasting about two hours.
- Participants, seeking relief from anxiety and stress, attended to get away from coverage of the war in Iran and rising gas prices and to stop talking about news during the walk.
- Jingling a tiny brass bell, the guide gathered about a dozen participants who crushed conifer twigs to smell and spent 10 minutes focusing on breath, footsteps and natural sounds.
- Based on wellness research and guide reports, the activity has been associated with reduced stress, improved mood, lower blood pressure and boosted immune response, while participants said it created a 'protective bubble' helping them unwind and better interact with others.
- Guides and participants repeatedly had to remind visitors to leave news talk at the entrance at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum, despite its busy urban location, to preserve the calming benefits of nature.
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Forest 'bathing' can reduce stress, improve mood, lower blood pressure and boost the immune system. Here's how it's done
For two hours, Claire Jefferies wanted to get away from the war in Iran and the rising gas prices and just commune with nature. And, so, she treated herself to a little forest bathing. “When I’m here, it’s almost like a protective bubble around me,” the human resources director said amid oaks and flowering magnolias at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, North Carolina. “It provides a shield.” The Sunday morning session was led by certified …
·New York, United States
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Associated Press News+32 Reposted by 32 other sources
People 'bathe' in nature to get respite from chaotic news cycle
It might seem impossible to get away from the constant barrage of news these days. But at an urban North Carolina arboretum, people are “bathing” in nature to wash away the stress.
·United States
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Total News Sources35
Leaning Left18Leaning Right0Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 40%
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