Pause with Purpose: Forest Bathing and Having Nature as Your Business Ally

I’m willing to bet it didn’t arrive while you were juggling emails, chasing deadlines, or knee-deep in spreadsheets. More likely, it surfaced in the shower, on a peaceful walk, or while daydreaming out the window. (In my husband’s case, it’s usually at 2am when inspiration trumps over sleep!)

That’s because creativity doesn’t respond well to pressure. It thrives in spaciousness—in the pause. When we stop trying to force a solution, our brains enter what scientists call a “diffuse mode” of thinking. This is where creativity, insight, and problem-solving naturally occur (Kounios & Beeman, 2015).

Nature, and in particular forest bathing, offers us a powerful way to access this state. It’s a gentle practice, rooted in presence rather than productivity — and as a business tool, it’s one of my favourites!

So, What Is Forest Bathing?

Forest bathing—or Shinrin-yoku as it was first named in Japan in the 1980s—means “taking in the forest through the senses.” It’s not exercise. You don’t need to “achieve” anything. There’s no skinny dipping required, and hugging trees is optional.

Instead, it might look like walking slowly through the woods with no particular destination. Sitting on a bench and listening to birdsong. Or pausing to notice the light through the trees. It’s an invitation to be, to slow down, and to reconnect—with yourself and the world around you.

And it’s not just relaxing—it’s scientifically powerful. Research shows that forest bathing lowers cortisol levels (our stress hormone), it boosts and regulates our mood, and even strengthens the immune system through exposure to phytoncides—natural essential oils released by trees (Li, 2010).

Nature as a Business Ally

As a business owner, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of constant doing. But what if you could be more effective, more insightful, and more creative—by stepping back?

Here’s how forest bathing supports your business:

1. Clarity

When we’re overwhelmed, our decision-making suffers. Forest bathing calms the nervous system, lowers mental noise, and helps us reconnect to what truly matters. It becomes easier to discern the next right step when our inner landscape is quiet.

2. Creativity

The soft focus of nature activates “soft fascination”—a state where the mind is gently engaged but not overstimulated. This opens the door to those lightbulb moments, unexpected ideas, and intuitive leaps that don’t show up on the to-do list.

3. Burnout Prevention

Being always-on is not sustainable. Nature gives us permission to rest without guilt. Regular forest bathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system (our “rest and digest” state), supports immune health, and helps regulate our energy so we can work from a place of steadiness—not survival.

Simple Ways to Begin

You don’t need a forest—or a free hour—to begin reaping the benefits.

Take a Nature Break 

Step outside between meetings. Not to tick off steps, not to listen to a podcast—just to be. Five minutes of presence can reset your energy.

Invite Outdoor Thinking Time:

Take a journal or business question to a nearby park. Sip your tea outdoors in the morning and simply listen. Green space—even seen through a window—has been shown to reduce stress and improve cognitive performance.

Use Nature Anchors:

Keep a small natural object on your desk—a pinecone, stone, or plant. Let it be a gentle reminder to breathe, soften, and return to the present moment.

These micro-moments of connection create mental white space—and from there, wiser decisions and deeper insights follow.

Let nature be more than your escape—let it be your ally. In stillness, we find strength. In pausing, we find purpose.

Warmly wishing you plenty of woodland wonderings,

Janice Butler

Founder of Kokoro Grove & Forest Bathing Guide

www.kokoro-grove.co.uk

Healing heart mind and soul with nature,

because sometimes, the most powerful medicine can simply be, spending time amongst the trees