Kaya 959 Reporter
We can all agree that over the last two years we’ve all been getting little to no hugs during this global pandemic.
It has definitely been a cold world, but worry not there is a substitute.
Over the past few weeks, there’s been a growing trend in South Africa of people going back to nature to hug trees.
This was started by media personality DJ Sbu who urged everyone to go out there, walk barefoot and hug a tree.
I get what @djsbu said! 😀 #hugatree pic.twitter.com/WLpEZDdYI5
— GirlThatLifts/TheRunner (@FitMasi) February 13, 2022
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But what are some of the scientifically proven benefits of hugging a tree?
It increases levels of the hormone called oxytocin
Cottage Lodge Hotel, which offers tree-hugging experiences to their patrons, says that there are studies that have found that the mere act of repeatedly hugging tress releases Oxytocin, which is often referred to as a “happy hormone.”
Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for feeling calm and emotional bonding and as you begin to practice tree-hugging, you begin to stimulate parts of your brain that make you happier.
So, if one of your resolutions this year was to bring more joy to your life, adding tree-hugging as a regular practice should be one of your priorities.
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You transfer the good energy in nature to yourself
Let’s face it, everything around us is energy, and tapping into the right energy field brings you to a high frequency.
According to Healthline, there is a whole scientific explanation for why the world has had a tree-hugging movement.
“You are a living energy field. Your body is composed of energy-producing particles, each of which is in constant motion.”
“So, like everything & everyone else in the universe, you are vibrating & creating energy.”
You will feel better
There have been numerous studies that show how being in a forest or in nature has incredible healing properties. One study even found that spending time in the forest & around trees include, four key benefits:
- reduced stress,
- improved immunity,
- lower blood pressure
- accelerated recovery from illness or trauma.
It teaches us more about trees
Ian Spellerberg, writes on stuff.co.nz, that tree-hugging is important especially if we want to preserve both the of luxury hugging trees, as well as the, actually trees themselves.
“Tree hugging is educational. It reminds us how much we depend on trees.”
“They take away carbon dioxide, they give us oxygen, absorb pollutants and dampen noise. Trees provide us with shelter, food, fibre, help prevent erosion.” says Spellerberg
Sometimes the easiest things have incredible benefits, so if you have not tried to hug a tree lately, it’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of making it a regular practice.
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