Forest Bathing Is The Answer To Your Concrete Blues

The term ‘forest bathing’ may seem like a misnomer, but a meditative walk in the forest may be all you need to realign yourself with nature and break away from the hubbub of the world. But what if a soul-cleansing walkabout during the workweek simply isn’t possible? This design trend may be a (temporary) solution to help assuage the stress of the everyday hustle.

The healing practice of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, was developed in Japan in the 1980s. Contrary to the word’s connotation, it doesn’t actually involve bathing or water at all, but rather a long, mindful walk in the forest. Japanese researchers have essentially proven its therapeutic benefits, especially when comparing a walk through a cityscape and a forest setting, citing that it lowers blood pressure and reduces stress hormones in both men and women.

But what about those who can’t catch a break from the urban jungle? What if you could bring the forest inside the home?

With Pantone’s “Color of the Year”cited as “Greenery,” all signs point to interior design becoming more wellness-focused. The trend emerges from a deep, cultural need to reconnect, rejuvenate, and refresh and can be seen in everything from green product design to record-breaking forest cities. It also points to the fact that if you’re feeling nature-starved as of late, you’re definitely not alone.

Want more wallpaper and home inspiration? Check out our video with Brooklyn’s Flavor Paper here.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.