Tree hugging New Forest

Have you ever hugged a tree? FREE HUGS AVAILABLE!

Hugging a tree increases levels of hormone oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for feeling calm and emotional bonding. When hugging a tree, the hormones serotonin and dopamine make you feel happier. It is important to use this “free” space of a forest we were given by nature to holistically heal ourselves.

When hugging a loved one is off the cards, what can we do to feel comfort? Why not try New Forest tree hugging?

New Forest holistic hugging

Try New Forest tree hugging… In the New Forest we are fortunate to have an amazing selection of trees on offer and we have taken some advice from our Northern friends, The Icelandic Forestry Service who have been encouraging people to hug trees while social distancing measures prevent them from hugging other people.

In a time when close contact and embracing is discouraged for risk of COVID-19 infection, trees can offer a real sense of comfort, visitors to the national forest should take precautions not to all hug the same tree and walk deeper into the forest, rather than stopping at the first tree they encounter. There are plenty of trees to enjoy the health benefits from.

---

How to hug a tree…

Choose a tree, it doesn’t have to be big and stout, it can be any size. Take your time, if you can give yourself five minutes of your day to hug your chosen tree, you will soon begin to reap the benefits. You can also do it many times a day – that wouldn’t hurt. Perhaps you have a tree in your garden that’s suitable? Once a day will definitely do the trick, even for just a few days.

In Iceland, Rangers have even marked out intervals of two metres within the forest so that visitors are able to enjoy nature without fear of getting too close to one another.

keyboard_arrow_left Back