How gardens and greenery are good for our mental wellbeing

A well-designed garden promotes rest and rejuvenation. Photos: 123rf.com

In urban life, many people grapple with stress. Like elsewhere in the world, Malaysians also suffer from work-related mental health difficulties. Traditional psychiatric treatments exist, but an innovative, nature-centric approach offers an alternative: forest therapy.

Originating from Japan as ‘shinrin-yoku’, forest therapy immerses individuals in verdant, forested surroundings under a purposeful design. It is not just about being in a forest, but also about engaging with nature in a mindful way.