Mindfulness and Shinrin-Yoku: Potential for Physiological and Psychological Interventions during Uncertain Times

Abstract

Mindfulness and Shinrin-yoku (SY) translated as forest bathing, is potentially effective to alleviate mental health issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The purpose of this article is to provide a translational and pragmatic approach to understanding mindfulness in the context of SY and psychological wellbeing through a rapid review of the literature. The background of mindfulness and SY practice are discussed and the emotional, neuroendocrine, and neurobiological responses are examined. Next, a rapid review of the literature examined six studies, published between 2010 and 2020 to determine what is known regarding the relationship between SY, mindfulness, and psychological wellbeing. The studies included 21–360 participants with a mean age of 20–55 years. The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between nature, mindfulness, and measures of psychological wellbeing. During uncertain events, including COVID-19, weaving mindfulness with SY may be specifically important to at-risk groups, those experiencing depression, loneliness, and social isolation, and at-risk populations such as college students, veterans, and professionals with high levels of stress. The goal of this review is to provide a thorough background and support of this cost-effective modality to promote overall psychological wellbeing as a preventative measure to those at risk or experiencing psychological illnesses.

Forest Manners Exchange: Forest as a Place to Remedy Risky Behaviour of Adolescents: Mixed Methods Approach

“…Due to these limitations, OBH was combined with Forest therapy based on the Shinrin-yoku methodology, observational learning and forest pedagogy. Our outcomes correspond to scientific findings by other authors [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 ] concerning anxiety, depression, anger decrease, and mental well-being. In this research, the positive influence of the forest environment on the development of potential acquisition of tacit knowledge was confirmed.…”

“…Up-to-date studies show that, after a few hours in the forest, the level of stress hormones falls sharply, and the immune system’s activity increases. The parasympathetic nervous system is activated due to phytoncides-chemicals released into the air mainly by conifers, auditory stimuli of wild birds singing, and visual stimuli of sunlight shining through the leaves [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 ]. In the Profile of Mood States (POMS) test, forest environments reduce anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion and increase the score for vigour [ 53 ], and especially for anxiety [ 62 ].…”

Gender Differences in Psychological Stress Factors of Physical Therapy Degree Students in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The current study adds to the literature suggesting the importance of implementing and developing psychological services and intervention programs for university students across all countries with a high impact of COVID-19 pandemic [ 51 , 52 ]. Different levels of external support could help university students, especially women, to better cope with stressful live events, and ultimately improve wellbeing, and decrease stress, anxiety and depression levels [ 45 ].…”

The Mindfulness and the Emotional Regulation Skills in Italian Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Survey-Correlational Study

“…Moreover, mindfulness competencies were associated with emotion regulation improving well-being and fostering an approach aimed at decision making rather than a static attitude (Chiesa et al, 2013; Gauthier et al, 2015). So, literature has defined mindfulness as the potential “pathway to resilience and recovery” during the COVID-19 pandemic (Bäuerle et al, 2020; Olson et al, 2020).…”