Y’all, I am an unashamed tree hugger. It’s always made me happy, to find big, old trees and give them a squeeze, so I’ve done it, despite the weird looks and the giggles and the comments from my more right-leaning friends and family.
But listen…it turns out I’m not crazy!
Not about that, anyway.
Iceland agrees with me, and is encouraging people who feel lonely to go and find a tree to hug.
Their forest service says that spending at least five minuets a day hugging a tree is a great way to feel more connected to the world during this time of separation (and always!). They’ve plowed paths to get people closer to the trees, and have expanded trails so that hikers can get some fresh air while maintaining that required 6 feet of distance.
The Icelandic Forest Service is also uploading images of people embracing all sorts of trees, and honestly, you can see on their faces how happy it makes them.
I’m not lying; it really works!
According to their forest manager, Þór Þorfinnsson, a tree hug produces feelings of relaxation and helps you feel ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
“When you hug a tree, you feel it first in your toes and then up your legs and into your chest, and then up into your head,” he said in an interview.
You may as well give it a try, because what do you have to lose? The tree will always accept your hug, too, so no need to worry about it trying to squirm away, or rolling its tree eyes at you for the prolonged display of affection.
I’m just saying. There are a lot of reasons to try it.
If you give it a go (or already do it) tell us what you love about hugging trees in the comments!