There are multiple ways to experience forests and receive their benefits:


1. Walking & Thinking

If we need to make a decision, walking in a forest or forest park, such as Golden Gate Park & Lands End in San Francisco, can help us take a step back, see the situation from different angles, and then make a calm decision.


2. Walking & Talking on the phone

This is a great way to get some exercise, breathe in fresh air, and catch up with a friend or have a relaxed work call.


3. Walking & Listening to a podcast

This is also a productive way to exercise, breathe fresh air, relax, and learn something new.


4. Walking with one or more friends

This can be a great way to catch up with friends in an inspiring environment, have a change of scenery, and have the benefits of exercising.


5. Walking & Taking photos

This can be a great way to get creative and capture often-missed details. Afterwards, we can share those beautiful moments with friends and family.


6. Hiking/Climbing

With a set route, this is another amazing way to exercise more intensely, take a step back from daily challenges, and complete an adventurous trail. It can feel like pressing a restart button.


7. Camping for one or a few nights

This is yet another great way to dive into the beauty of forests and get away from the daily challenges that a city offers. It can feel like a perfect time to reflect and bring with you some excitement from the adventure that camping offers.


8. Adventurous sports

Mountain biking, skiing, kayaking and other activities practiced among trees can be exhilarating.


Another way to experience forests, which can also decrease deforestation

During the last five years, i've spent more than 30% of each day outside in a forest by a river, bay, lake, or ocean. i realized that the combination of old trees and water has a fascinating effect on my mind.

These five years have revealed to me a new way to experience forests, which i believe has the potential to reduce deforestation and drastically increase preservation efforts.

I noticed that by doing a few things and having a slightly different approach while in a forest, i got a different experience than before. As a result, my overall life experience greatly improved and my relationship with forests changed. I realized that this also greatly increased my incentive to contribute to preserving forests, especially old-growth ones.

I haven't tested my hypothesis beyond self-observation, although a quick google search shows some studies that claim being in nature helps reduce stress and increase overall wellbeing. I am open to running multiple experiments and seeing how people's behavior changes. However, it is not a top 10 priority for me, therefore, if you're interested in collaborating, give me a gentle shout.

With this in mind, i've put together a technique you can personally try if you're in a forest and curious to experience it in a different, mind-blowing way.