Singapore Green Spaces Make it Easy to Forest Bathe for Mental Health

by Andrea McKenna Brankin

"You are Not Alone, Really" - Coping with the Ups and Downs of Expat Life

Forest bathing—what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku—has honestly become one of the simplest ways I take care of my mental health, especially living in a fast-paced place like Singapore. When everything feels overstimulating, getting out into green spaces helps my brain and nervous system slow down in a way that nothing else really does. It’s not about hiking hard or hitting fitness goals. It’s about being present, breathing deeper, and letting nature do its thing.

One of my go-to spots is the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The second I step in, something shifts. The air feels softer, the noise fades, and my thoughts stop racing as much. Walking through the National Orchid Garden inside the Botanic Gardens is especially calming. There’s something about being surrounded by flowers—the colors, the symmetry, even the subtle scents—that gently pulls me out of my head. Studies have shown that being around flowers can reduce anxiety and improve mood, and I can feel that in real time. My shoulders drop, my breathing evens out, and I feel more grounded.

Views from the Singapore Botanic Gardens (Photos: Suellen Lee)

Then there’s Windsor Nature Park, which feels a bit more tucked away and raw. It’s quieter, less curated, and that’s exactly why I love it. When I walk there, I notice the small things—the sound of leaves, the texture of tree bark, the way light filters through the canopy. This kind of sensory awareness is actually powerful for the brain. It helps interrupt spiraling thoughts and gives your nervous system a chance to reset. Instead of being stuck in stress mode, your body shifts toward a calmer, more regulated state. This was my go-to escape during COVID and continues to be a favourite.

And when I want something more open and breezy, I head to East Coast Park. It's near my house and run all up the East Coast hoods to Changi Airport. Being near the water adds another layer of calm. The rhythm of the waves, the sea breeze—it all works together to quiet the mental noise. Sometimes I just sit and watch, and it feels like my mind finally has space to breathe.

What’s made an even bigger difference for me is not always doing this alone. Walking with other people—friends, family, even just one person—adds a whole other level of support. There are real mental health benefits to that social connection. You’re not just processing your thoughts internally; you’re sharing, laughing, or even just existing alongside someone else. It reminds me that you’re not alone, even on the hard days.

There’s something about walking side by side that makes conversations flow more naturally too. It feels less intense than sitting face-to-face, and that can make it easier to open up. Even when we’re not talking much, just having someone there is comforting. It reduces feelings of isolation and gives a sense of belonging, which is huge for mental well-being. Just like AWA's Listen Ladies say, "you're not alone!"

And check the AWA website for Listen Ladies walks to the Orchid Garden, which occur during certain months. You can also join the larger and more regular AWA Walking Group (also on the website) for more frequent meetups.

At the end of the day, forest bathing in Singapore isn’t complicated. It’s just about showing up, slowing down, and letting nature help recalibrate your system. Whether I’m surrounded by orchids, deep in a quiet park, or walking along the coast, I always leave feeling a little lighter, a little clearer, and a lot more like myself again.

---

​A mental health advocate and author of the book Bipolar Phoenix, Andrea runs the AWA Listen Ladies Group, providing confidential support for members at regular meetings. You can reach her at listenladies@awasingapore.org