Soak up the leafy peace in a forest

Forest bathing might sound like a synonym for skinnydipping. Instead, it’s spending time in a forested area (fully clothed) and soaking up the atmosphere — a metaphorical bathing of your senses. With Earth Day on Monday, it’s the ideal time to connect with nature. Here are five places to “bathe” yourself in the forest.

Sierra Nevada

Forest bathing is more about a slow walk in the woods than strenuous hiking or exercising. One of my favorite spots is the Ansel Adams Wilderness of the Inyo National Forest. This landscape is filled with rushing waterfalls and colorful wildflowers along with countless places to feel the sunshine on your face. Info: bit.ly/anseladams wilderness

Marin County

Forest bathing can be done anywhere there are trees. For impressive old-growth redwoods, check out Muir Woods National Monument north of San Francisco. Forest bathing involves being mindful. That means choosing a place such as Muir Woods with no cellphone and Wi-Fi service. Info: nps.gov/muwo

Southern California

Forest bathing programs will be held May 4 and 18 and June 1 and 15 at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia. The guided walks end with participants sipping tea made from plants foraged on site. Info: bit.ly/arboretumforest bathing

Costa Rica

Sensoria, an eco-tourism attraction, offers a Forest Therapy Tour that, according to its website, focuses on connecting with the “primal energy of the forest and the planet.” Sensoria’s threehour experience consists of a half-mile Forest Therapy Trail along a lush rain forest. Info: sensoria.cr/forest -therapy-tour

Amazon rainforest

The world’s largest tropical rain forest lends itself to forest bathing. San Francisco-based Forest Bathing Club will host a “Journey to the Amazon” from Oct. 28 to Nov. 10. The club has teamed with Pachamama Alliance to bring forest bathers “on a transformational journey” to the Amazon. Info: forestbathing.club/events