As society progresses, technology becomes an increasingly central component of our lives, influencing how we work, communicate, and entertain ourselves. With this evolution, adults, teens, and children are turning more to technological entertainment, such as social media platforms, streaming services, and video games. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this shift, with many opting to connect and engage virtually. But what are the impacts of these technological choices on mental health?
Although technology can positively affect mental health in several ways, its overuse can lead to negative outcomes. The increased use of services like social media has been linked to rising rates of depression, anxiety, and feelings of disconnection.
Over time, scientists and clinicians have asked, “How can we combat these feelings in an increasingly digital world?” Even as technology advanced, clinicians in the 1980s began exploring the connection between urban fatigue and nature’s impact on mental health. In Japan, they discovered that immersing oneself in nature could ground individuals and counteract the stress caused by technology, coining the term “Shinrin-yoku”, or “forest bathing” (Brody, 2024).
Today, “Shinrin-yoku” offers a way to break free from screens and technology by practicing mindfulness through slow, immersive walks in nature. This practice can be done in forests, trails, backyards, or neighborhoods. It involves becoming fully attuned to nature, focusing on sensory experiences like sights, smells, and sounds. The goal is to create a deep sense of immersion, and the best part is that just 30 minutes can bring relief from anxiety and stress while fostering a connection with one’s environment.
By giving yourself the space to focus on the present moment, you not only ground yourself but also build a meaningful connection with your body and surroundings, which helps to relieve mental and emotional stress.
Quick Tips for Practicing Shinrin-yoku:
• Walk slowly on the trail.
• Focus on your environment (e.g., how does the ground feel?).
• Use touch to ground yourself (e.g., what are the textures of nearby plants?).
• Pay attention to smells.
• Focus on hearing (e.g., what natural sounds can you hear?).
• Focus on sight (e.g., what colors do you see?).
• Allow unrelated thoughts to pass non-judgmentally and refocus on nature.
References
Rueben, B. (2024.). Soothing screen-induced anxiety is simple: GO outside. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/liftoff/202409/solving-screen-induced-anxiety-is-simple-go-outside