Life can feel busy and noisy, with little time to pause and reset. Spending time in the forest can help you slow down, breathe more deeply and feel more at ease.
At Forestry England, we care for the nation’s forests so everyone can enjoy the benefits of nature. Whether you’re visiting a large forest or a small woodland close to home, time spent outdoors in the fresh air can support your mental and physical health.
In this blog, we explore how mindfulness and forests work well together. Discover easy, practical tips you can try on your next visit.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the technique of paying close attention to the present moment, and noticing what you can see, hear and feel, all without judgement. It's about accepting things as they are, without trying to find solutions.
You don’t need any special skills or equipment, and there’s no “right” way to do it. Mindfulness can be as simple as concentrating on a few slow breaths or noticing the sound of birds as you walk.
Spending time in the forest makes mindfulness easier because the environment naturally encourages you to slow down and take in your surroundings.
Mindfulness tips to try in the forest
Slow down and notice where you are
As you walk through the forest, give yourself permission to slow down. Enjoy nature at your own pace, whether you're visiting for a short stroll or a longer walk. There's no rush here.
Notice the crunch of gravel under your feet, the movement of leaves overhead or the way sunlight filters through the trees. Even a brief pause to take in your surroundings can help you feel more grounded.
Focus on your breathing
Find a comfortable place to stop for a moment or two. Perhaps a bench, a viewpoint or a quiet clearing along the trail.
Take a few slow breaths, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth for counts of four. This fresh forest air, combined with gentle movement, can help ease tension and steady your thoughts.
Notice where your mind wanders to, acknowledge the thoughts and then gently bring your focus back to your breath. Let go of any feelings of frustration.
Engage your senses
Our forests and woodlands are full of small details to discover. Try focusing on one sense at a time:
- listen for birds singing, wind whistling or water running.
- look at the shapes, colours and textures all around you. Try a rainbow walk, where you look for objects that are each colour of the rainbow.
- touch the bark of a tree or the ground beneath your feet.
The nation's forests are open all year round, so there’s always something new to notice. Take a mindful walk each season and see what's changed.
Move mindfully
You don’t have to sit still to be mindful. Walking is one of the easiest ways to practise mindfulness outdoors. You can even bring along your four-legged canine friends too.
Choose a route that feels right for you, such as an easy access trail or a short circular walk. Pay attention to how your body feels as you move, and let the walk be about enjoyment rather than distance or speed.
Remember to listen to your body and take breaks if you need to.
Make forest time part of your routine
You don’t need to travel far or stay for hours to feel the benefits of time spent in nature. Regular, short visits - alone or with company - to a local Forestry England site can make a real difference to your wellbeing.
Try building a forest walk into your week and notice how spending time outdoors makes you feel over time. Busy weekends? Squeeze in a brisk walk before work or head out for a walk-and-talk during lunch.
Find a forest and enjoy a mindful moment
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you visit alone, with friends or family, for a short walk or a longer day out, there’s no pressure to do anything a certain way.
Simply being in the forest can help you feel calmer and more connected. Our forests are here for you whenever you need space to breathe, slow down and reconnect with nature.
Find a forest near you and enjoy a mindful moment outdoors.
