Tree-Hugging is Real and It Works

Will you believe me if I tell you that feeling lonely is the social equivalent of feeling physical pain?

Studies have shown that it even accelerates the same pathways in the brain that are involved in processing emotional responses to physical pain. How can this be possible? What does that mean?

Yes, you can easily disagree with me on this by saying that if physical and emotional pain have similar neural connections, then why do doctors not prescribe us acetaminophen for grief, distress, and desperation? Quite logical.

I will not disappoint you on that because it is scientifically proven in a study back in 2010 that certain doses of the pain reliever (acetaminophen) do reduce the effect of social rejection to a great extent.

Just like feeling physical pain, feeling lonely and separated from others for a long period is also a reminder that we need to take care of ourselves by seeking the safety and comfort of others.

Or, perhaps walking under the shade of gigantic trees can soothe us from our tormenting thoughts even for a mere second.

Will You Hug Trees for Five Minutes a Day?

Extensive research regarding the issue of social isolation has shown that prolonged loneliness is associated with an increased risk of untimely death, which is parallel to smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity. Now the real question is, how can we combat such stressful events?

It is where we need to connect ourselves with nature. And there are always ways in which we can bring our communities together by understanding the healing powers of trees.

Strengthening the high-quality associations with nature may be an answer for safeguarding brain health from the devastating consequences of loneliness.

Iceland’s forestry service, earlier this year, makes a miraculous finding. They encourage their citizens to hug trees for five minutes a day to help them during social isolation. It may seem like an unusual practice, but research suggests that it could help people feel better.

So, I would encourage you to think about the benefits of hugging an ordinary-looking tree in your neighborhood. Can you dare yourself to hug a tree?

What Will Happen if You Do?

This idea of tree-hugging is not an unusual one in any sense. Everything is scientifically proven and verified before publicly disclosed. We need to have an understanding of this incredible art of hugging trees.

So, what happens if I hug trees for 5 minutes a day? The therapeutic benefits of hugging trees are far exceeding my expectations. I would feel more relaxed and in harmony with nature.

It is observed that every tree in a forest has its aroma, and it’s the most distinguishing feature of that very tree. This aroma is composed of chemicals called phytoncides that have beneficial effects on our health.

Phytoncides are directly linked with the trees

You might have heard of natural killer cells that help our bodies to fight disease. Have you heard of the scent of the forests? That is the first thing we notice when we enter a space crowded with trees.

Though it sounds more like pesticides, phytoncides are quite the opposite. They are organic compounds exclusively derived from trees.

Phytoncides are found in the resins of many conifers and non-conifers plants and are recognized as the fragrance of the forests.

Where there are pine trees, there is that scent of phytoncides lingering around, which empowers us to battle our long-term depression and other chronic diseases.

Moreover, they are known to have antibacterial and antifungal qualities that protect the trees from the harm of insects, fungi, and other wild animals.

Next time, if you decide to hug a tree, please do consider this fact to relish every moment that you spend near trees. Because the phytoncides are present in the air we breathe in, in any typical forest park.

They increase the number and activity of natural killer cells in our body. I don’t want to get into the details of things, but these cells can kill tumor and virus-infected cells in our bodies.

That’s quite something. No?

The healing powers of trees to combat social isolation

Research shows that trees do have healing powers. Here, I would like to talk about the Japanese practice of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), which has been a part of Japan’s national health program since 1982.

Loneliness has a disastrous effect on our thinking ability. Our old age group who are socially isolated or feel lonely also tend to perform worse when they are required to process information rapidly.

Moreover, feeling lonely and socially isolated can contribute to unhealthy behaviors in our old age group, such as getting too little exercise, drinking too much alcohol, and smoking is indeed a bad habit when you are in that fragile old age.

A study published in the journal Scientific Reports has found that spending two hours per week in the natural world offers a positive boost to our mental and physical well-being.

Tips to Combat Social Isolation by Strengthening Our Connection With Nature

It is through understanding the Japanese technique of forest bathing we can master the healing power of nature. In the following, I am going to summarize the ways to combat social isolation by strengthening our connection with nature.

Mindfully connect with the natural world

Mindfulness meditation is a popular concept these days that is highly appreciated by nature enthusiasts. It is an awareness of the particular moment that is right here and right now.

Touch the tree bark, feel the cool breeze in your hair, and listen to the sounds of a nearby stream to feel your happy moment.

I believe that this is a fascinating way to reconnect with the natural world by mindfully showing your presence around trees. It means we have to live the current moment by being nonjudgemental and open.

Can we let people hug trees without making fun of them for hugging trees?

Use your instinct to learn from nature

I think spending quality time with nature and be playful in natural surroundings should be the goal. Collect leaves of different sizes and colors and count them one by one for the mere amusement it brings.

Redecorate your imagination by painting the fallen pines in different colors. Or, just sit quietly for a few moments among trees can work wonders for your tired body.

Be a defender-of-trees

Becoming a ‘defender of trees’ is a powerful phrase that only a true tree hugger can understand.

Reconnect with nature to fully appreciate the impact of giving back to nature.

Share this information online with your friends

You might be wondering how sharing information about trees can do us any good to strengthen our connection with nature? The simple answer is that sharing is caring.

We shared tons of information regarding various issues on social media each day. Here, I don’t mean that you have to share this particular article to prove your loyalty to nature.

Sharing information on trees is also a worthy activity. My idea is to first protect your native trees from extinction before deciding to plant new saplings.

Try to refocus and make a plan to take action

It is an ideal way to combat social isolation by refocusing your attention on the preservation of nature.

Loneliness hinders the ability to do anything, but then there comes the natural wonder of trees that will teach us how to make a plan to take action. Plant trees, protect them, or hug them for environmental concerns.

I can proudly say that because a Tennessee woman recently broke a Guinness World Record of hugging a walnut tree for 10 hours and 5 minutes to stop the deforestation process in her neighborhood. Isn’t that amazing?

Walk barefoot on the grass

Walking barefoot is a lovely experience. My mother has taught me the benefits of walking barefoot on the grass. She likes practicing this art to strengthen her bonds with nature.

It is like feeling the scent of wildflowers, trees and realizing the softness of grass beneath your bare feet. Moreover, walking barefoot on the grass in the morning helps to improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It is also good for heart health.

To Conclude

Reconnect with nature. Explore the forests, parks, and the natural world. Hug trees, walk barefoot, sit by the river, lake, stream, and be conscious of your surroundings.

Allow nature to heal your mental distress, anxiety, and discomfort. Combat social isolation by getting connected to nature. Freshen your mind and empower yourself with a deep sense of balance and harmony.

Thank you for reading.