The ‘Bathing in Nature’ Trend Fits Oklahoma Perfectly

There's a new trend popping up all over the country at the moment. It's called "bathing in nature," and city folk are just now discovering life out on gravel roads.

Now, I'm guessing any loyal and true Okie might see "bathing in nature" and assume it's a dirty misdemeanor, but it's just a high-falutin' new wellness trend where you "immerse yourself in nature" to lower your stress and find your center.

Literally, it's just spending more time outdoors, which is now a luxury among the most out-of-touch Americans.

Lucky us, huh? Being next door to the Wichita Mountains, we almost forget how amazing they are. Like we take it all for granite...

Puns

No offense to the wonderful Quartz and Kiamichis, but if you need to hit the "reset" button on your brain, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is the best place in the Sooner State to do it.

Cue the Google Deep Dive

Japan is home to four of the largest cities in the world, and they've been "bathing in nature" as recreational therapy for decades. They call it Shinrin-yoku. Scientists say the oils from the trees boost your immune system and all that, but really, if your allergies can stand the cedars, time away from cell service and screens is the best therapy a person can get.

It's not all love and peace in nature though. If you’ve ever stood at the top of Mt. Scott when the wind is whipping at 40 mph, that can be a healing and cathartic experience too. It's the sheer scale of the place, looking west upon a seemingly endless range of mountains as they disappear into various shades of gray on the horizon.

It’s hard to worry about your overflowing inbox when you’re surrounded by something that's 500 million years old.

If you want the real Wichita reset, you have to know where to go. You can head to the Parallel Forest for a literal "forest bath." It’s fun to read up on it being haunted, the witchcraft is a little creepy, but I always see it like it's a glitch in the Matrix. Beyond all of that, it's a chill and quiet place to let your mind take a break.

Frankie Says Relax

If you search the various trails, there's plenty to keep you busy for a very long time. And none of them are super-challenging. Most are chill walks through the landscape, but if you seek adventure, you'll be able to find it.

Add in getting to lay your own eyes on our local wildlife... Bison, native longhorn, and the adorable rodent prairie dogs, it's a trip you'll make again and again.

The world might have discovered "Nature Bathing" in 2026, and I guess that makes Southwest Oklahoma the "spa" of the plains. You just need a pair of good hikers, a bottle of water, and the willingness to let go of the world for a little while.