A new study suggests that virtual forest experiences—sights, sounds, and even scents delivered through digital technology—can reduce stress and lift mood. For Thailand’s growing urban centers, where access to green spaces is uneven, such digital nature therapies may support mental well-being in daily life.
Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, invites focused, undistracted time in nature to calm the mind. As Bangkok and other Thai cities expand, many residents struggle to connect with restorative green spaces. Researchers are exploring digital alternatives that simulate nature’s healing effects, offering stress relief in environments where parks are scarce.
A European research collaboration led by a major university medical center in Germany and the Max Planck Institute examined whether a multisensory VR forest could match real immersion. The study created a virtual forest using a 360-degree video filmed in a renowned European reserve, enhanced with natural sounds and the scent of Douglas fir essential oil to maximize realism. Participants were exposed to different levels of immersion: full multisensory experience, or single-sense versions (visual only, audio only, or scent only). Stress was elevated before sessions to better measure calming effects.
Results showed the strongest mood improvement and stress reduction with the full multisensory VR experience. Visual-only, audio-only, and scent-only formats offered relief as well, though to a lesser extent. Some participants showed small gains in working memory, a cognitive function tied to daily tasks and focus.
The lead investigator highlighted the potential of digital nature: while virtual experiences cannot replace real forests, they can evoke emotional responses and provide meaningful support in high-stress settings. A senior researcher from the Max Planck Institute noted that virtual nature could be especially useful in clinics, waiting areas, or interior urban spaces, helping to support mental well-being. The overarching message is that nature—real or simulated—can uplift mood and cognitive performance in everyday life.
Digital forest therapies are not meant to substitute outdoor experiences, which offer benefits like fresh air, physical activity, and ecological exposure. Yet in Thai cities where access to green spaces is limited, digital interventions could become essential tools for stress management and mood support.
In Thailand, rapid urbanization has reduced accessible green space, particularly in Bangkok, where studies show park access falls well below World Health Organization recommendations. Many residents must travel long distances for parks or nature reserves. Digital forest bathing could be deployed in offices, schools, hospitals, or transit hubs to complement traditional wellness approaches such as mindfulness and exercise.
The findings align with growing attention to corporate well-being and healthcare in Thailand, where mindfulness and stress reduction are increasingly prioritized to address urban stress and burnout. Some hospitals and organizations are already incorporating VR technologies in rehabilitation and staff break rooms, reflecting a demand for diverse mental health tools. Multisensory virtual nature experiences could enhance these efforts, providing immersive escapes with measurable psychological benefits.
Forest bathing resonates with Thai culture, where temples and parks are valued for tranquility and restorative ambiance. Traditional Thai wellness practices recognize nature’s healing power, with herbal scents and forest retreats long used for rejuvenation. Virtual forest bathing supports this cultural affinity while expanding reach into the digital realm.
As technology becomes more embedded in daily life, using VR headsets or mobile devices to simulate nature for urban Thais is increasingly feasible. Multisensory VR content could suit offices, transit lounges, classrooms, or patient wards. Short, daily digital “nature breaks” may help lower stress and improve concentration, an area for future research.
Experts caution that virtual forest bathing should not replace outdoor activity but can complement it, especially for those with illness, disability, or tight schedules. For people unable to leave home, digital nature immersion can provide emotional and cognitive support as an adjunct.
Looking ahead, more research is needed to determine long-term benefits and best practices for virtual nature use in Thailand. As VR becomes more accessible and content tailored to Thai forests, sounds, and flora is developed, these experiences could form part of a broader strategy to protect mental well-being in an increasingly urban world. Researchers also emphasize the continued importance of real forests and green spaces, whose ecological and health benefits remain irreplaceable.
For readers seeking mood improvement and stress reduction, regular visits to parks or botanical gardens remain ideal. However, virtual forest bathing—whether on a smartphone or within a VR-enabled wellness space—may offer welcome relief when life keeps you indoors. Embrace nature where possible, and consider digital forest immersion as a supplementary option.