Can forests have a soothing impact on our mental well-being? The answer lies in experiencing it. The sounds of birds chirping, the rustling of leaves and the absence of urban noise seem utopic in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. However, these elements constitute a rising wellness retreat known as “Shinrin-Yoku”, a practice that lets urban dwellers sign off from the city to immerse in nature.

Shinrin-Yoku, which translates into "forest bathing" or "taking in the forest atmosphere," was developed in the 1980s. The origins of Shinrin-Yoku can be traced back to the post-industrial revolution in Japan. During that era, there was a growing recognition of poor mental health caused by booming urbanisation, work pressure and disconnection from nature amongst Japanese people, informs Dr. Manoj Kutteri, Medical Director at Atmantan Wellness Centre.