Mindfulness and Shinrin-Yoku: Potential for Physiological and Psychological Interventions during Uncertain Times.
Erica R Timko Olson, Margaret M Hansen, Amber L Vermeesch
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health December 14, 2020 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249340 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Rapid review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Stress, psychological Middle aged Young adult Pandemics Covid-19 Psychosocial intervention Mental health Wellbeing Forest bathing Shinrin-yoku |
| Key findings | The reviewed studies showed a significant positive correlation between nature, mindfulness, and measures of psychological wellbeing. The authors argue that weaving mindfulness with Shinrin-yoku may be especially important for at-risk groups during uncertain events such as COVID-19, and propose this cost-effective modality as a preventative measure for those at risk of or experiencing psychological illness. |
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.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Through the Eyes of She: Exploring Women’s Stewardship and Connection to Nature Using Mindfulness and Photo Elicitation in Newfoundland and Labrador Parks and Protected Areas Journal of Outdoor Recreation Education and Leadership September 6, 2023
- Nature and Mindfulness to Cope with Work-Related Stress: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health May 13, 2022
Cites 13
- Mindfulness and compassion-oriented practices at work reduce distress and enhance self-care of palliative care teams: a mixed-method evaluation of an “on the job“ program BMC Palliative Care July 6, 2017
- A Pilot Study of the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Brain Response to Traumatic Reminders of Combat in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Combat Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Frontiers in Psychiatry August 25, 2017
- The Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on Impulsivity and its Neurobiological Correlates in Healthy Adults Scientific Reports August 19, 2019
- Does a natural environment enhance the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)? Examining the mental health and wellbeing, and nature connectedness benefits October 1, 2020
- Yoga and Mindfulness as a Tool for Influencing Affectivity, Anxiety, Mental Health, and Stress among Healthcare Workers: Results of a Single-Arm Clinical Trial Journal of Clinical Medicine April 1, 2020
and 8 more in the library