Need a little energetic boost of oxytocin, that feel good hormone?
No one nearby to grab onto for 6 seconds (that is the magic amount of time to get that feel good hormone)?
Guess what: good news!
You can hug a tree and it has the same essential effect as a hugging a person.
“Research shows that spending time around trees can reduce stress, improve immunity, lower blood pressure, and accelerate recovery from illness or trauma.
Furthermore, when you hug a tree, you release a hormone called oxytocin – known as the hormone of love and trust – which gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling.”
Some people also try forest bathing, which is mostly hanging out in the trees and breathing along with the lungs of the planet.
I notice the weeks that I don’t get any forest time, and the weeks when I do.
I am a big proponent of time with trees, and time in trees.
And if you need a quick pick-me-up, run outside and hug a tree!
Here’s to balance, strength, and tree-hugging happiness,
😊 Laura
About the Author
I am a personal trainer specializing in injury prevention and rehab training. I train people with acute as well as chronic conditions, with surgery prevention as a goal where possible.
