What Is Virtual or Remote Forest Therapy?
Experience the Healing Power of Forest Therapy from Your Living Room!
Imagine this: you're sitting in your living room, surrounded by the usual noises of daily life, perhaps the hum of the refrigerator or the distant sound of traffic. Then, you put on your headphones and log on to a Zoom call for your virtual forest therapy session. Suddenly, you're transported. You close your eyes, take a deep breath, and feel the tension in your shoulders start to melt away as your forest therapy guide takes you through a series of invitations to connect with the natural world that is all around you, but you may never have noticed.
This is the power of virtual forest therapy, and the best part? You don’t have to leave your house.
The profound benefits of immersing yourself in nature have been well documented. But when life gets busy, finding the time—or the proximity—to get into the woods can be a challenge. That's where virtual forest therapy comes in, offering the same healing benefits right from the comfort of your home.
What is Virtual Forest Therapy?
So, what exactly is virtual or remote forest therapy? It’s an innovative way to experience the calming and restorative benefits of nature, even when you can’t physically get to the forest. Through live-streamed guided sessions, virtual forest therapy taps into the scientifically backed healing properties of nature.
How Does it Work?
Most virtual forest therapy sessions will guide you through mindful practices like deep breathing, visualization, and grounding exercises to start. Next, the guide will provide an invitation to connect with nature for a set period of time.
In addition to staying indoors, you may wonder outside of your home into the back yard or apartment courtyard. Having the zoom app on your phone opens up the possibilities for where you can engage with nature on a virtual forest therapy walk.
I remember trying my first virtual session on a particularly stressful day when my schedule was packed, and heading out for a real forest walk just wasn’t possible. I put on my headphones, closed my eyes, and was amazed at how quickly I felt more relaxed. The invitations offered me the opportunity explore the nature around my home. I interacted with house plants and watched squirrels outside of my window playing in the tree tops. Then I was encouraged to step outside and sit with a tree in my yard. These often overlooked natural elements around my living space become new and exciting to explore.
The Healing Power of Forest Therapy
Virtual or not, forest therapy is based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," which has been shown to have a host of mental and physical benefits. But does this really work when you’re not physically in the forest?
Mental Health Benefits
Yes! Research shows that viewing nature in any way—whether it's a video of a forest, pictures of nature scenes, or being surrounded by house plants —can reduce stress, improve mood, and lower anxiety. Virtual forest therapy taps into this by creating an immersive experience, helping you disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with yourself.
I’ve had clients who were initially skeptical, especially those who live in urban environments where nature seems like a distant concept. But after a virtual session, they were amazed at how quickly they could tap into that calm state, even in their apartments. One client even told me, "I have lived in this space for 6 years, and I have never noticed all the natural scenery that has been available to me."
Physical Benefits
The physical benefits of forest therapy are equally impressive. Spending time in nature, even virtually, has been linked to lower heart rates, reduced blood pressure, and enhanced immune function. And while you won’t be breathing in the actual fresh forest air during a virtual session, you can still experience similar calming effects through breathing exercises and guided relaxation.
Emotional Resilience
Forest therapy also helps build emotional resilience. By slowing down and being present with nature, you give your mind and body space to process emotions, release tension, and find balance. Virtual sessions can be especially helpful for those going through tough times, like grief or anxiety. Many people find that nature can be comforting, almost like nature itself is holding them through their emotional journey.
How to Prepare for Virtual Forest Therapy
Before diving into your first virtual session, it’s worth taking a few steps to make sure you get the most out of the experience.
Creating Your Space
One of the joys of forest therapy is the environment, and while you’re not in a physical forest, you can create a calming space at home. Try dimming the lights, lighting a candle, or even diffusing essential oils like pine, cedarwood, or eucalyptus to recreate the smell of a forest. Adding a few houseplants can also make the space feel more nature-inspired.
When I do virtual sessions from home, I love to sit near a window where I can see the sky or trees in the distance. Even though I’m indoors, having that bit of nature within sight helps ground the experience.
Tech Setup
To get the most out of your session, invest in a good pair of headphones. High-quality sound is helpful for an immersive experience. Make sure you won’t be interrupted, and consider turning off notifications on your phone or computer. The last thing you want is an email ping pulling you out of your forest oasis!
You will need to use Zoom on you computer and/ or phone. A Zoom account is free, and it is quick and easy to set up on the Zoom website. The Zoom app is also free and easy to download on to your phone from your app store. Your guide simply emails you a link to the zoom meeting on the designated day and time and you log in. Just like that… you will be on your way in your virtual forest therapy journey.
You can participate in a remote or virtual walk at any location once you have the Zoom app on your phone. Just login to the zoom meeting invitation at your favorite park, under your favorite tree, or while resting comfortably in your favorite chair in your home.
Virtual Forest Therapy vs. In-Person: Can It Be Just as Effective?
You might be wondering, "Can a virtual session really be as effective as physically being in the forest?"
Similarities and Differences
While there’s something undeniably special about walking through a real forest, virtual forest therapy can come surprisingly close. Many of the benefits—like reduced stress, lower anxiety, and a sense of peace—are achieved through visualization and sensory immersion, which are central to both virtual and in-person sessions.
I had one client, a busy executive, who loved forest retreats but couldn’t get away as often as she liked. After a few virtual sessions, she told me, "It’s not exactly the same, but the calm and grounding I feel is just as real."
Scientific Backing
Science backs this up. Studies have shown that simply looking at images of nature or listening to nature sounds can elicit the same calming effects as physically being in nature. Virtual forest therapy brings these elements together in a structured, intentional way, creating a powerful healing experience.
Flexibility and Accessibility
One of the best things about virtual forest therapy is how accessible it is. Whether you live in a city far from nature, or you have mobility issues that make it difficult to go for a hike, you can still experience the benefits of nature from home. Virtual sessions also allow you to practice forest therapy whenever you need it.
Simple Techniques to Get Started with Virtual Forest Therapy
Even if you’re new to the practice, there are a few simple techniques that can help you dive right into virtual forest therapy.
Mindfulness and Breathing
Mindfulness is a key element of forest therapy, and it’s easy to practice during a virtual session. Start by focusing on your breath. Take slow, deep breaths, paying attention to the sensation of the air filling your lungs. As you exhale, imagine the stress leaving your body.
Visualization
In some sessions, you might be guided through visualizing a forest scene. Close your eyes and picture yourself walking through a forest—what do you see? Feel the coolness of the air, the softness of the moss under your feet, and the sunlight filtering through the trees. These visualizations help engage your mind and deepen the sense of immersion.
Sensory Awareness
Use your senses to enhance the experience. Listen carefully to the sounds of nature, feel the ground beneath you (even if it’s just the floor of your living room!), and notice how your body feels as you relax. The more you engage your senses, the more grounded and present you’ll feel.
Conclusion: Discover the Forest Within
Virtual forest therapy offers a beautiful way to experience the healing power of nature without needing to leave your home. Whether you’re a wellness retreat enthusiast, a busy professional, or someone simply seeking a moment of peace, this practice can bring the calm and grounding of the forest into your living room.
So why not try it today? Take a moment for yourself, close your eyes, and let the forest come to you.
Want to try a forest bathing walk? Contact me to schedule a remote or in person experience.
Learn more www.intothewildwalks.net
