Finding Peace in the Forest

Ashley Kumrits

Sep 4

14 min read

Updated: Sep 5

The Cost-Free Medicine of Nature Therapy

Why the Forest is Your Best Prescription

In a world filled with expensive wellness trends, complex multi-step routines, and high-priced supplements, the single most powerful tool for your health is entirely FREE:

Stepping Outside!

When we think of the ultimate picture of health today, we often think of expensive wellness trends, luxury aesthetics, and a version of "perfection" that feels like it’s reserved only for the wealthy. We live in a culture obsessed with material status—chasing the best and newest items and products—completely forgetting what it actually means to feel well.

The truth is, many people are simply unaware, or they are far too busy and caught up in the modern grind to notice what real vitality looks like. When someone is truly healthy from the inside out, they don't just look happy—they exude a confident and energetic presence. You do not need a luxury price tag or a cabinet full of expensive items to feel your best. Quite the opposite! Starting today, you can reclaim your energy by prioritizing the foundational basics: fresh air and sunshine.

That is where nature therapy—also known as Shinrin-yoku or Forest Bathing—comes in. It’s not some trendy wellness routine or a pastime saved only for perfect, sunny days. It is a real, scientifically proven tool that acts as a physical reset button for your nervous system. When we slow down and breathe in fresh air, we create a quiet spark of calm internally creating balance. When that spark explodes, it radiates outward as a natural, healthy glow. The ultimate antidote to a frantic, chemical-laden world is waiting right outside your door, and it doesn't cost a single cent.

The Science: How Nature Resets Your Nervous System

When you step into a natural environment, your body undergoes an immediate chemical shift. Chronic stress keeps your sympathetic nervous system stuck in a state of hyper-vigilance, commonly known as the "fight-or-flight" response. Nature forces a physiological U-turn, activating your parasympathetic nervous system, or the "rest-and-digest" state.

This chemical pivot happens because your brain and senses are wired to recognize the elements of green spaces (areas of land that are partly or completely covered with grass, trees, plants, shrubs, and flowers). Here is exactly what happens to your internal chemistry when you surround yourself with trees, plants, and gardens

The Cortisol Crash: Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone. When you are trapped in the modern grind, cortisol stays chronically elevated, damaging your tissues and stealing your energy. Clinical studies show that spending just 20 to 30 minutes outside in nature can plunge cortisol levels by 12% to 16%
The Evacuation of Stress Chemicals: It isn’t just cortisol. Being in nature triggers an immediate drop in adrenaline and noradrenaline—the frantic, jittery chemicals responsible for that racing heartbeat, high blood pressure, and tight chest feeling. As these chemicals leave your system, your blood pressure naturally stabilizes
The Feel-Good Hormone Flood: While stress hormones are plummeting, nature is actively boosting your mood chemicals. The gentle movement of walking outside or digging in a garden releases a wave of endorphins, your body’s natural stress-releasing chemicals. At the same time, the visual patterns of greenery and flowers stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine—the fundamental neurochemicals responsible for motivation, happiness, and a deep sense of satisfaction.
The Secret Medicine of Trees: One of the most fascinating reasons forests heal us is completely invisible. Trees and plants release organic antimicrobial compounds called phytoncides to protect themselves from insects. When we breathe fresh forest air, we inhale these phytoncides, which have been proven to lower our stress hormones and dramatically increase our white blood cells to boost our immunity

When you sit on the grass or walk through the trees, you aren't just taking a mental break. You are stepping into a biological clearing where your high-stress chemicals are filtered out, and your vibrant, feel-good hormones are restored to their rightful baseline.

When your nervous system is no longer treating daily life like a constant emergency, your body can finally divert its energy back to essential, life-sustaining functions. It transitions out of survival mode and redirects its resources exactly where they belong: repairing tissues, regulating blood sugar, producing deep sleep hormones, and effortlessly digesting your food. Real, glowing health begins the moment your body finally feels safe enough to heal.

The Stress-Digestion Loop & The Micronutrient Crisis

As a root-cause practitioner, I constantly see clients struggling with complex gut issues and chronic fatigue. What many don't realize is that your gut health is a direct mirror of your stress levels.

The Gut-Brain Connection: Why Stress is Wrecking Your Tummy

Have you ever noticed how a stressful day instantly leads to an upset stomach, intense bloating, or a heavy, uncomfortable feeling after you eat? Maybe you’ve been struggling with unexplained weight issues, constant fatigue, or chronic tummy aches, and you feel like you’ve tried every diet under the sun.

If this sounds familiar, I want you to take a deep breath: it is not your fault.

There is a huge reason you aren't feeling your best, and it stems from a hidden connection between your modern lifestyle, your nervous system, and the changing world around us.

The Real Reason Behind the Bloat

When your mind is racing and your body is stuck in the modern grind, your brain signals your nervous system to drop everything and go into survival mode—the classic "fight-or-flight" response. To save energy for this perceived emergency, your body physically diverts blood flow away from your digestive tract and rushes it toward your muscles

This internal shutdown halts your body’s ability to produce vital stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Research shows that chronic stress completely disrupts gastrointestinal motility and breaks down the gut’s delicate cell-to-cell communication. Without adequate stomach acid and proper movement, you cannot mechanically break down your food or trigger downstream pancreatic enzyme

Instead, your food just sits there, fermenting in your digestive tract and creating painful gas, severe bloating, a leaky gut, and an imbalanced microbiome. It means you could eat the cleanest, most expensive organic meal on the planet, but if your nervous system is too stressed to produce stomach acid, your body simply cannot absorb the nutrients from it.

The Micronutrient Crisis Is Environmental

This digestive shutdown is worsened by a hidden modern crisis: we are profoundly nutrient-depleted, and it has become incredibly difficult to get the vitamins and minerals we need from our food supply alone. Because of intensive modern farming practices, our agricultural soils have been heavily degraded over the last several decades. Landmark studies show that the nutritional and mineral content of our fruits and vegetables has steadily declined—meaning our food simply isn't as nutrient-dense as it used to be. It is a major reason why our cellular biology is starting on empty, and it is entirely an environmental issue, not a personal failure.

Because our food crops aren't what they used to be, we add daily stress to an already depleted system. When you are chronically stressed, your body physically burns through and wastes its cellular stores of magnesium at an alarming rate, literally dumping it through your urine.

Because magnesium is the exact mineral required to calm your nervous system, a vicious loop is born: stress drains your magnesium, and low magnesium makes you feel even more anxious, bloated, and less resilient to stress. Compounding this problem is the fact that we spend roughly 90% of our lives indoors under artificial lights, starved of natural sunlight. We can no longer rely on food or our indoor environments to replenish what stress constantly steals from us.

Circadian Medicine: The Power of Morning and Evening Sun

Sunshine is the ultimate, free coordinator of how we feel all day and night—no sleep tracking rings or expensive sleeping pills required. Getting outside doesn't just soothe your stress or unlock your digestion; it quite literally sets your internal biological clock. Your circadian rhythm dictates your daily energy, your metabolism, and how deeply you sleep at night. In our modern world, we try to fix our sleep with expensive trackers, blue-light-blocking gadgets, or heavy sleep supplements. But nature has already provided a flawless, cost-free mechanism to regulate your entire day: the sun.

The Morning Sun Sleep Reset

Your master biological clock is heavily regulated by light hitting the specialized receptors in your eyes. Clinical studies confirm that early morning sunlight exposure (ideally before 10:00 AM) significantly improves your night-time sleep quality and aligns your internal clock.

Exposing your eyes to early daylight tells your brain to stop producing melatonin (the sleep hormone) and start producing cortisol and serotonin, giving you natural morning alertness. This morning anchor is vital because it acts as a timer, ensuring your brain knows exactly when to start producing melatonin again 12 to 14 hours later when your head hits the pillow.

The Grace of the Evening Sun

Just as the bright, morning sky wakes you up, the soft, amber light of the late afternoon and evening sunset signals your body that it is safe to wind down. Spending 30 minutes outside in the evening sun gives your nervous system a needed chance to step away from the digital screens that chronically suppress your natural melatonin production before bed.

Taking in the evening sun and breathing the cooling air serves as nature's built-in transition phase. It allows you to step away from the frantic pace of the day and slide into a restorative night of deep, natural sleep.

When we align our lives with these natural rhythms, prioritizing your health ceases to feel like a grueling chore. It becomes an effortless byproduct of simply being outside. The beautiful secret of nature therapy is that creating these healthy habits doesn't feel like work. The more you step outside and allow the fresh air to reset your system, the better you will physically and mentally feel. Before long, a profound shift happens: you realize you no longer have to force yourself to make healthy choices; you genuinely want to go outside and crave that connection. This isn't a complex clinical theory—it is a lived reality.

Finding Peace in the Forest

I don’t just read this scientific data; I lived it.

During a period of intense health struggles, major life changes, moving, and navigating profound grief and loss, my world felt entirely upended. When the noise of life was too loud, my heart was burdened, and my body felt completely broken, I went to the forest. I sought out the trees and the birds because they didn’t judge me. They didn’t ask anything of me, and they didn’t expect me to be strong.

I could sit alone in the woods, fully falling apart, and cry without reservation, letting the quiet stillness of the earth absorb my pain and restore my soul. Nature therapy didn't just supplement my healing journey— it saved me. It showed me that when we strip away the noise, the earth knows exactly how to help us heal.

What I didn’t realize at the time—what I could only understand much later, once I finally stepped out of that heavy haze—was that this painful chapter was surprisingly the beginning of something beautiful.

I had retreated to the woods because I needed a safe place to simply feel my emotions and release them. Studies show that holding onto traumatic events and burying our pain only hurts us more—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. So, I knowingly chose to walk through the fire of this healing process. I turned to God, I prayed, and I sat with the trees.

Slowly, those raw moments of survival transformed into intentional daily habits. I started my mornings barefoot, grounding myself in the dew-covered grass to physically anchor my body to the earth before the day's stress could take over. In the winter months, when the snow kept me inside, I brought that practice indoors with grounding mats, refusing to let the change of seasons interrupt my connection. I began prioritizing the morning sun, letting the early light reset my brain, and spending afternoons working on my tan, letting the warmth soak into my skin.

Instead of getting lost in a spiral of outside stressors, I used nature to force myself into the absolute present moment . I brought yoga stretches into the fresh air to loosen the physical tension grief had locked in my muscles. I brought dance therapy deep into the woods, shaking off the heavy energy of the past. Moving freely where no one could see me but the trees, I felt like they were proudly dancing right along with me. I would reach out and touch or hug their ancient trunks, letting their solidness anchor me. It was a tangible reminder that I, too, could stand strong. With that presence came a beautiful new sense of purpose. I started a garden, getting my hands dirty planting beautiful flowers, fresh vegetables, and medicinal herbs. Watching a tiny seed break through the soil and grow under my care gave me a profound reason to look forward to tomorrow.

My hopeless world quickly filled with life. These majestic, sentient trees have stood for decades, yet they stopped to witness me at my most broken. Much like The Giving Tree , we developed a deeply personal, sacred relationship. They watched me collapse and saw my tears—the forest truly knew me because it held me at my absolute lowest.

The woods became my sanctuary, and a profound shift took place within me. As these meaningful connections unfolded completely on their own, my daily fog cleared, my mood lifted and I started feeling better overall. These positive changes are exactly what made me fall in love with Nature Therapy! Going into the forest was no longer a forceful task—my tears subsided, and my joy and laughter increased!

I created a wonderful new routine: morning sun and grounding, relaxing nature walks after meals, and checking in on my forest friends. I even developed a relationship with a sweet owl named Ollie and his family. These precious moments were so healing to my spirit and my soul. Looking back, I am forever grateful for the heartache, loss and massive changes that ultimately led me to these deep improvements in my life.

This journey, at its heart, became officially about self-care and not just survival of difficult times . In a world that demands we keep pouring from an empty cup, retreating to the trees was how I finally chose to care for myself.

Through that self-care, the forest blossomed into a lively, joyful haven where my four beloved kitties were right there trailed behind me on our adventures. God entrusted these beautiful furry creatures to our care, giving us a profound responsibility to protect them. But the beautiful secret of this divine layout is that it works both ways. When we show up for our pets—ensuring they get the fresh air, physical movement, and mental peace they need to thrive—we naturally better ourselves. By building healthy outdoor routines that honor their health, we end up effortlessly restoring our own spirit.

As time went on I started choosing my own well-being and my daily nature walks turned into an unbreakable healthy habit. I went outside in every single season—whether it was pouring rain, bright sunshine, or freezing snow. I committed to a gentle walk immediately after eating my meals, and the physical benefits were undeniable. It effortlessly aided my digestion, balanced my blood sugar, and became the ultimate way to clear my head after a stressful day.

Slowly, my stories for the trees grew more and more exciting as I began accomplishing more goals. As the seasons shifted, I watched their leaves blossom into vibrant life, only to turn the beautiful shades of autumn before facing the harsh, bitter winter storms. During those cold days, I returned the favor. I gave them encouraging words, reminding them of their own beauty and strength— just as they had held me through my own dark seasons.

As I poured that love back into the forest, my own healing accelerated. My daily fog cleared, my anxious tummy finally settled, my racing heart rate slowed to a calm rhythm, and my muscles grew stronger with every step. Looking back at how far I had come, I felt a profound sense of pride. I finally had so many beautiful triumphs to share with my forest friends.

Nature creates a rare, unconditional sanctuary where it is entirely safe to share your biggest victories, your deepest accomplishments, and your quietest doubts. The trees, the wind, and the birds never judge our weaknesses, nor are they ever envious of our successes. Instead, they stand proud with us. They want nothing more than to watch us be happy, stand strong, and grow. In their presence, I found a gentle space to celebrate my own growth, and their calming songs became my absolute peace.

Years later, I am still outside every single day. I am no longer that broken person hiding in the shade. I am someone who found their inner child in the forest. I garden, I create outdoor projects, and I will forever be grateful to God, His breathtaking creation, and the beautiful furry creatures that walked me home to myself.

If you are reading this today and your world feels heavy, please know this from the bottom of my heart: you are not alone in the way you are feeling. Your pain is real, but your healing is possible. This is the simplest, most accessible, and most cost-free intervention on the planet! I promise you, once you take that first step outside and let the earth hold you, you won't want to stop.

Your Outdoor Prescription

Pick your Healing Potion! Which Nature Activity Fits You Best?

Healing doesn’t have to look like a grueling workout or a rigid routine. It is about creating healthy habits that introduce structure. In turn, this structure inherently calms an overwhelmed nervous system. If you have a pet - include them ! They make the ultimate routine partner, as animals naturally thrive on consistent, daily habits. Depending on your energy levels today, here are a few simple ways to prescribe yourself some nature therapy:

A Relaxing Nature Walk : This is the easiest and most foundational habit you can build. Taking a gentle, unhurried walk right after a meal helps balance blood sugar spikes, aids gastrointestinal motility, dramatically improves digestion and reduces stress. Start this small habit and simply watch how much better you feel an hour later.
Grounding Barefoot in the Grass: Take off your shoes and place your bare feet directly on the earth, grass, or sand. Grounding allows your body to absorb natural electron charges from the earth, which has been shown to reduce localized inflammation and promote a sense of deep calm. Doing this first thing in the morning lets you double the benefits: while your feet absorb the earth's energy, your eyes absorb the vital morning sunlight that resets your internal clock and sets you up for a day of vibrant energy and deep sleep. (Tip: In the freezing winter months, you can still protect your inner spark indoors using a grounding mat!)

The Morning Coffee & Stretch: Instead of scrolling through your phone first thing in the morning, take your coffee or tea outside. Pair it with a few minutes of relaxing, gentle stretches while you soak in that critical morning circadian light.

Dancing in the Trees: Want a total nervous system reset? Go deeper into the woods where nobody is watching and just dance! Shake off the tension of the week, move your body freely, and let go of all judgment. The trees will dance along with the wind right beside you.

Hugging a Tree: It might sound cliché, but physically connecting with a tree forces you to slow your breathing, ground your energy, and practice immediate mindfulness. It is a tangible way to anchor yourself to the present moment.

Active Play & Rollerblading : If your energy levels are high, channel that vitality into joyful movement outside. Whether it's rollerblading down a path, biking, or playing a sport with family, moving through green spaces boosts endorphins far more than a gym basement ever could.

Getting Your Hands in the Soil: Build a small garden, plant a single flower, or pot some fresh kitchen herbs. Studies show that the physical act of gardening promotes robust neuroendocrine restoration from acute stress. Digging in the soil forces you away from your screens, gives you a beautiful mental break, and rewards you with the profound joy of watching your hard work grow over time.

Cultivate Your Healing Space

Your health journey doesn't require a perfect environment, a luxury lifestyle, or a massive budget. It starts with a simple choice to step outside, breathe the fresh air, and let nature do what it was designed to do: bring your mind, gut, and soul back into balance. Please give yourself a gentle reminder today: you can do this! There is absolutely no pressure and no perfection required. Nature therapy is entirely free, so allow yourself to make it fun! It takes about 30 days of consistency to truly wire in a new habit, so release any expectations and simply enjoy the physical and mental benefits as you take this journey.

Be incredibly proud of yourself for choosing to step out of the grind and show up for your own well-being. True health is wealth— and your cost-free prescription is waiting right outside your door.

Finding Peace in the Forest

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