Ready for a Digital Detox? Forest Therapy Is The Answer!

Ready for a Digital Detox? Forest Therapy Is the Answer!

In today’s world, we’re constantly plugged in. Our phones buzz with notifications, our laptops are always open, and the never-ending stream of emails and social media posts pulls our attention in every direction. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just plain stressed from the constant digital noise, you’re not alone.

As an ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) certified forest therapy guide, I’ve seen firsthand the healing power of nature—and trust me, it’s just what you need to reset. Imagine stepping into a forest, leaving behind the screens and the chaos, and immersing yourself in the peaceful, grounding embrace of the natural world. This is what forest therapy, or Shinrin-yoku (which translates to “forest bathing”), is all about. And if you're someone who’s looking for calm, battling anxiety, or simply craving a break from technology, forest therapy can offer you exactly what you're looking for.

Let me take you on a journey through the benefits of forest therapy and how you can use it as a powerful tool for a digital detox.

What Is Forest Therapy?

Before we dive into how it can help you, let me quickly explain what forest therapy is all about. While many people think of it as just a “nature walk,” it’s so much more than that. Forest therapy involves immersing yourself in the natural world with full awareness and mindfulness. It's about slowing down, engaging your senses, and allowing the peaceful environment of the forest to heal you—mind, body, and spirit.

I remember my first forest therapy walk. I was having trouble slowing down and being in the moment. I was just looking for a quick break from work, but what I found was something far more transformative. I was guided to a quiet spot in the woods, where we sat in stillness for several minutes, listening to the birds and the rustling of the leaves. It felt like time had slowed down. The moment I stopped focusing on my phone, my calendar, and my to-do list, I felt a deep sense of relief wash over me. It was in that moment I knew there was something special about this practice.

The Role of a Forest Therapy Guide

While you can certainly go on a nature walk by yourself, an ANFT certified forest therapy guide can help you get the most out of your experience. As a guide, my job is to help you fully connect with the forest in a mindful way. I lead you through specific practices that help you tune in to the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around you. There is a saying guides trained by the ANFT like to use - “the forest is the therapist, and the guide opens the doors”. This approach isn’t just about being outdoors—it’s about being present.

Sometimes, when people think of “being in nature,” they have a tendency to rush through it. They’re thinking about their next step or worrying about their schedule. Forest therapy helps you to slow down and be fully immersed in the moment.

Why Digital Detox Is Essential

The Problem with Constant Connectivity

Let’s face it—most of us are addicted to our devices. We check our phones first thing in the morning and last thing at night. In fact, according to a study by the American Psychological Association, nearly 60% of people say they’re constantly connected to work through technology. It’s no wonder so many people are feeling stressed, burnt out, or overwhelmed. The constant connection can lead to anxiety, difficulty focusing, and even physical symptoms like headaches and neck pain.

For example, a few months ago, I worked with a client named Dave, who was struggling with anxiety and sleep problems. He found it hard to disconnect from his work emails at night, and it affected his ability to relax. He signed up for one of my sessions, and we went on a forest therapy walk together. I remember the moment we arrived in the forest—he seemed tense, still holding onto his phone like it was a lifeline. But as we slowly walked through the trees, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the rustle of leaves, he began to relax. By the end of our session, he commented that he felt lighter, more clear-headed, and free from the constant mental buzz. He wondered why he had not done something like this sooner.

What Happens When We Unplug

When you step away from the digital noise, something magical happens. Your body starts to relax. Your cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone) drop, and you begin to feel more centered. In fact, studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve your mood.

The key is to engage with nature mindfully, without the distraction of your phone or other digital devices. When you disconnect, you allow your mind to rest and reset, which is something we all desperately need in today’s hyper-connected world.

How Forest Therapy Can Help You Detox from Technology

Nature as a Natural Antidote to Stress

Now that we’ve covered why we need to detox from technology, let’s talk about how forest therapy can help. Nature has an incredible ability to calm us. Have you ever felt your stress levels drop as soon as you step into a quiet park or forest? That’s not by accident. Research has shown that spending time in nature helps lower cortisol levels and promotes relaxation.

When I guide clients through forest therapy, I invite them to focus on their senses—hearing the birds chirping, feeling the textures of the trees, and breathing in the earthy air. It’s a simple process, but it works wonders. Just the act of being present and mindful can help shift your mindset away from stress and anxiety.

The Healing Power of Silence

In today’s world, silence is rare. We’re constantly surrounded by noise—from traffic and conversations to the endless ping of our devices. But when you’re in the forest, silence is your companion. This is an incredibly healing experience. In fact, studies have shown that spending time in quiet, natural spaces can improve cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

I’ve personally experienced the power of silence during forest therapy. There was one particular session this winter where we sat in a clearing for about 10 minutes without saying a word. The only sound we heard was the breeze in the trees and the occasional bird call. It was in this peaceful silence that I noticed my racing thoughts slow down. There was a deep sense of calm I had been craving, and it was all because of the stillness the forest provided.

The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Forest Therapy

Soothing Anxiety with Nature

One of the most powerful benefits of forest therapy is its ability to ease anxiety. It’s something I’ve seen time and time again with my participants. The natural environment works like a reset button for the mind. Whether it’s the deep breathing, the calming presence of the trees, or the mindfulness practices, nature helps us feel safe and supported. This is sometimes referred to as Attention Restoration Theory.

A few weeks ago, I worked with a woman who had been experiencing recent anxiety episodes. During our forest therapy session, I asked her to focus on how the trees felt against her skin. She immediately became more present and was able to push aside the negative thoughts that were clouding her mind. By the end of our time in the forest, she told me it was the first time in months she’d felt truly calm.

Building Mindfulness Through Forest Immersion

Mindfulness is all about being in the moment. And there’s no better place to practice mindfulness than in the forest. Every time I guide a session, I encourage participants to focus on their breath, listen to the sounds around them, and observe the beauty of the natural world. This simple practice of being present can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

By paying attention to your surroundings—whether it’s the way the light filters through the leaves or the sound of the wind rustling in the trees—you train your mind to slow down and relax.

How to Begin Your Forest Therapy Journey

Getting Started with Forest Therapy and Joining a Guided Session

So, how can you begin your forest therapy journey? It’s simple! Begin by finding a local ANFT certified forest therapy guide. Joining a guided session can help you ease into the practice. A certified forest therapy guide can lead you through structured exercises, helping you connect with nature in a mindful and restorative way.

The guide will meet you at a local park, nature reserve, or forest. They can help you find calm and quiet the distractions. Perhaps challenge yourself to leave your phone in your bag (or better yet, at home) and focus on being fully present.

You may be encouraged to focus on your breaths, paying attention to the air and nature around you. As you proceed, you may be invited to notice the textures of the leaves, the smell of the earth, and the sounds of nature. Simply let your mind wander—without judgment or distraction.

When I guide a session, I often start with a “sit spot” practice, where we find a place to sit quietly and simply observe our surroundings. This allows you to tune into the present moment and experience the forest in a deeper way.

Creating Your Own Forest Rituals

Once you’ve experienced the benefits of forest therapy, consider making it a regular practice. Whether it’s a weekly forest walk or a daily sit in your backyard, creating small rituals that connect you with nature can help you maintain your digital detox and keep your mind calm.

Conclusion: Reclaim Your Peace

If you’re ready to reclaim your peace and disconnect from the chaos of technology, forest therapy is the perfect place to start. Step into the woods, leave your devices behind, and allow the forest to restore you. With each breath, each step, you’ll find a deeper sense of calm and connection to yourself—and to the world around you.

So, go ahead—take the first step. Your digital detox awaits.

“In the stillness of the forest, the mind finds its peace, and the soul remembers what it’s like to simply be.”

-unknown