Milind Soman loves this Japanese practice for reconnecting with nature: What is ‘shinrin-yoku’ or forest bathing?

Milind Soman is known for his fitness, disciplined lifestyle and youthful appearance, but his connection with nature is another side of his life that often draws attention. From growing vegetables in his own greenhouse to planting trees, Soman has spoken about finding joy outdoors. He has also embraced the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, describing trees as his “favourite beings on the planet”. But what exactly is this Japanese concept, and why does Soman enjoy it?

What is shinrin-yoku or forest bathing?

Milind Soman has spoken about his love for the Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku, commonly translated as forest bathing. In an Instagram post accompanying a workout video, he wrote that “trees are my favourite beings on the planet” and said forest bathing was something he loved.

The Japanese word shinrin means “forest”, while yoku means “bath”. Despite its name, forest bathing does not involve literally bathing in water. Instead, it means spending time in a forest or natural environment and consciously taking in its sights, sounds and scents.


The practice is often described as a form of nature therapy. By slowing down and immersing themselves in their surroundings, people can step away from the noise and pace of everyday life. It is also associated with potential benefits such as reduced stress and improved overall wellbeing. For Soman, the idea appears to fit naturally with his long-standing connection to the outdoors.

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Milind Soman's love for growing his own food

Soman's relationship with nature extends beyond simply spending time in forests. In one of his Instagram posts, he shared his happiness about growing organic food at home and jokingly described himself as a “bearded farmer”, a description requested by his wife Ankita.


Just before the lockdown, he had built a small greenhouse called Sabzee ka Ghar, or Vegetable's House. The project gave him an opportunity to grow his own produce and experience the process of cultivating food himself.
Photos from the harvest showed fresh home-grown vegetables, including striped purplish-green brinjals, cucumbers or zucchinis and ridge gourds arranged in a metal bowl.

Why nature has remained important to Milind Soman

Soman's interest in nature also extends to his efforts to create a greener environment around his own property.
During a conversation on Sonu Sharma’s YouTube channel, he spoke about his property in Lonavala and his commitment to planting trees. He recalled that when he bought the property in 1997, he decided that he wanted to plant trees there.

“I have a place in Lonavala where I have planted more than 30,000 trees myself,” Soman said. His comments offer another glimpse into how his relationship with nature goes beyond fitness or outdoor exercise. From cultivating vegetables to spending time among trees, nature has become part of the way he chooses to live.

Forest bathing is about slowing down

The appeal of shinrin-yoku lies in its simplicity. The practice encourages people to step into a natural environment without treating the experience as another task to complete. Instead of walking through a forest while constantly checking a phone or rushing towards a destination, forest bathing involves paying attention to the environment through the senses. The sound of leaves, the smell of trees, the feel of the air and the sight of greenery all become part of the experience.