Virtual Forest Bathing Calms Minds, Boosts Mood

Multisensory VR experiences offer stress relief in nature-deprived settings.

Feeling stressed? A new study suggests virtual reality (VR) nature experiences can improve mood and promote relaxation, even without stepping outside. Researchers explored whether virtual forest bathing, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, could offer similar benefits.

Building a Believable VR Experience

To create a realistic experience, researchers filmed a 360° VR video in the Sonnenberg nature reserve, Europe’s largest Douglas fir forest. The team, led by **Simone Kühn**, director of the Center for Environmental Neuroscience, captured natural sounds like wind and birdsong, and added Douglas fir essential oil scents.

Study participants experienced the virtual forest in different ways. Some received the full multisensory experience with video, sound, and scent, while others experienced only one sense at a time. Researchers kept visuals simple for the single-sense versions to avoid distractions.

Mood Improvement Observed

Before entering the virtual forest, participants viewed stressful images to elevate their stress levels. Then, they used VR headsets to experience one of the forest versions. Those who engaged sight, sound, and scent together reported the greatest mood boost and a stronger connection to nature.

Single-sense versions also showed positive effects, with some participants experiencing slight improvements in working memory. However, **Leonie Ascone**, study lead author and researcher at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), cautioned that more research is necessary, and the results might not apply universally.

According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 77% of people experience stress that affects their physical health (APA 2023). This highlights the need for accessible stress-reduction techniques.

“We can already say that digital nature experiences can absolutely produce an emotional effect – even if they don’t replace actual nature,”

—Leonie Ascone, Researcher at UKE

VR Nature for Stressful Settings

**Simone Kühn** suggests that VR nature could benefit people in stressful environments with limited access to real nature.

“Especially in places with limited access to nature – such as clinics, waiting areas or urban interiors – multisensory VR applications or targeted nature staging could support mental well-being.”

—Simone Kühn, Director of the Center for Environmental Neuroscience

**Kühn** envisions virtual nature reducing pain and improving mental performance in hospitals, offices, and urban spaces.

The Enduring Power of Nature

The study underscores nature’s positive impact, even through screens. Participants experienced improved mood and a stronger connection to nature without leaving the room. Though virtual forest bathing cannot perfectly replicate the benefits of real forests, it offers a valuable alternative for those with limited access to the outdoors.

This research is published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology.