Nature might just be the perfect antidote to the stresses and constant stimulation of everyday life, says a growing group of enthusiasts.

Welcome to the world of shinrin yoku, or 'forest bathing', a form of physical and psychological therapy that started in Japan in the 1980s before spreading all over the world - including, recently, the North-West Coast.

When Burnie horticulturalist Elspeth Brock came across the concept one day during a "random Google" session, the practice seemed simple and obvious.

"The direct translation is forest bathing, but I prefer forest immersion," she said.

"It's really about sensory immersion ... nature has this ability to both engage and stimulate us, but also relax and calm us. It's different to being stimulated by technology, which often increases our stress.

"I have a background in horticulture, and I saw the benefit that nature had on people in the physical and psychological sense."

Mrs Brock decided to take on the training to become a certified forest therapy guide through the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance, and last year began taking groups on guided therapy walks.

"We begin with a little introduction on what it is, then we do some breathing and stretching exercises," she said.

"We walk quite slowly to allow our stress hormones to dissipate, and then we'll do anything from looking through magnifying glass to listening to poetry ... anything that makes us feel present in our body."

The busy mother of young children likened the experience to the way a small child might view the world.

"One of my main influences was walking with my children, who walk quite slowly and explore everything," she said.

"Although there's definitely a 'quiet' element that young children don't do."

She said the concept was built on something most people already understood.

"A lot of us do it naturally anyway," she explained.

"For me, I find a lot of solace in nature. I love exploring the microcosms and how everything interacts and works as one.

"But I think with our busy lifestyles a lot of people have forgotten to slow down and look at the world around us.

"When I'm out there that stress drops, my attention sort of expands. There's always something beautiful and changing, it brings me so much joy."

She said the people she had taken so far had enjoyed "stepping outside themselves" and experiencing nature with a different perspective.

"I think the main barrier for a lot of people for trying something like this is that they are not sure why they would come with a guide," she said.

"But there's something about allowing someone to guide you through, and even doing it as a group. A few people said they found their concentration improved for a couple of days after."

Each forest session costs $20-$25.

The walks are suitable for beginners, last for about two hours and conclude with a simple tea ceremony.

Head to Shinrin Yoku North-West on Facebook for more information or to book a session.