The Power of Tree Hugging: A Natural Path to Well-being

I can’t really say that I am a seasoned tree hugger but now as a nature based OT, I have delved into all the research around nature as a healing and therapeutic context. Tree hugging came up in my search. While it may sound whimsical, the practice of tree hugging is more than just a quirky way to connect with nature. In fact, there is emerging evidence that shows that tree hugging can be a therapeutic activity that brings a host of benefits, from stress reduction to emotional healing, grounding, and even physical vitality.  My mom to this day has a favorite tree in what we call our “shelter belt” in South Dakota.  In other parts of the country, it might be considered a grove.  Hardwood trees are sparce in South Dakota but amongst this shelter belts stands an old cottonwood tree. My mom has reported the solace and comfort this tree has brought her over the years. She even wrote a poem about it. See the poem below.  My mother’s name is LaVaughn.

Whether you’re a seasoned tree-hugger or just curious about the idea, it’s time to explore the profound power of connecting with trees through this simple, yet transformative act.

Why Hugging a Tree Feels So Good

The experience of hugging a tree is more than just an emotional or spiritual connection—there are actual scientific reasons why it feels good. When you wrap your arms around a tree and press your body against its rough bark, a few things are happening:

1. Release of Feel-good Chemicals: Physical touch, including hugging, triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone." Oxytocin is associated with feelings of calm, trust, and emotional bonding. The gentle pressure of hugging the trunk of a tree stimulates this chemical release, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress.

2. Grounding and Connection to Earth: Known as "earthing" or "grounding," standing or sitting in direct contact with the Earth (or a tree) allows the body to absorb electrons from the natural world. This practice is thought to balance the body’s electrical system, reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and enhancing overall well-being.

3. Forest Bathing: The Japanese practice of "Shinrin-yoku," or forest bathing, encourages people to immerse themselves in nature and engage all their senses. Studies show that spending time in forests, including hugging trees, can reduce cortisol levels (a stress hormone), lower blood pressure, and boost immune function. The fresh air, natural scents, and sounds of the forest can bring about a sense of deep relaxation and peace.

4. Tree’s Healing Energy: Many people report feeling a deep sense of calm and renewal after hugging a tree. The energy of the tree is said to help clear negative emotions, center the mind, and restore balance. Trees, especially older, established ones, are often considered wise, nurturing beings. When you embrace them, you are symbolically embracing the strength and wisdom they represent.

Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Tree Hugging

The connection between nature and mental health is well-documented. Time spent outdoors, especially in green spaces, can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance feelings of well-being. Hugging a tree is an active way to cultivate that connection, allowing you to tap into these benefits in a profound way.

1. Stress Relief: Modern life is filled with stressors—work, relationships, financial pressures, and more. Hugging a tree offers a respite from this constant state of tension. The simple act of hugging a tree can slow your heart rate, calm your breathing, and promote a sense of serenity.

2. Emotional Healing: Many people find emotional solace in nature, whether through the stillness of a forest or the comforting presence of a single tree. Trees are symbols of resilience, with roots deep in the earth and branches reaching toward the sky. Hugging a tree can remind us of our own inner strength, offering emotional healing and a chance to let go of worry and fear.

3. Mindfulness and Presence: Tree hugging can be a form of mindfulness practice, allowing you to be fully present in the moment. In today’s world, it’s easy to become distracted by endless notifications, tasks, and deadlines. Hugging a tree brings you back to the present, offering a moment of stillness and connection to something larger than yourself. As you stand with your arms around the tree, you may notice the texture of the bark, the sound of wind through the leaves, or the way the tree feels against your skin. These small sensory experiences can enhance mindfulness and promote inner peace.

4. Boosting Creativity: Spending time with nature can have a positive effect on creative thinking. Being in the presence of a tree or forest environment allows the mind to wander, uncluttered by distractions. This can lead to creative breakthroughs, fresh perspectives, and renewed inspiration.

The Physical Healing Power of Trees

The benefits of hugging a tree aren’t just emotional—there are physical healing benefits as well. Trees play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet, and interacting with them can have a positive effect on our physical health as well.

1. Boosting Immunity: One of the key benefits of spending time in nature is a boost to the immune system. Research has shown that spending time in green spaces and among trees can enhance immune function, increase the production of natural killer cells, and reduce the incidence of illness. This is partially due to the presence of phytoncides, the antimicrobial compounds that trees emit to protect themselves from disease. When we breathe in these compounds, our bodies respond by strengthening their own immune defenses.

2. Lowering Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hugging a tree, as part of a forest or nature walk, allows the body to enter a relaxed state, reducing the stress that contributes to high blood pressure. This calming effect is not only good for the heart but also for overall physical health.

3. Improved Sleep: Research has found that spending time outdoors, especially in forests, can improve sleep patterns. The calming effects of nature, coupled with exposure to natural light, help regulate the circadian rhythm, promoting deeper, more restorative sleep. Tree hugging, as part of a broader connection with nature, can be a natural sleep aid.

How to Embrace the Power of Tree Hugging

If you’ve never hugged a tree before, it’s simple to start. Here are some steps to help you get the most out of this healing practice:

1. Find a Tree You Feel Drawn To: Walk through a park, forest, or garden, and look for a tree that feels inviting. It might be an ancient oak, a tall pine, or even a slender sapling. Allow your intuition to guide you toward the tree that calls to you.

2. Stand Still and Breathe: Before hugging the tree, stand quietly next to it. Take a few deep breaths and tune into your senses. Feel the ground beneath your feet, the air around you, and the natural world that surrounds you.

3. Hug the Tree: Place your arms around the trunk of the tree. Allow your body to lean against it. Feel the texture of the bark, the tree’s energy, and the solidity of its form. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, soaking in the peace and stillness.

4. Stay as Long as You Need: There’s no set time for how long you should hug a tree. Stay for as long as you feel comfortable. Some people find that just a few minutes is enough, while others may feel deeply connected after a longer embrace.

5. Reflect on Your Experience: After you’ve finished hugging the tree, take a moment to reflect on the experience. How did you feel? Did any emotions surface? How does your body feel now? This mindfulness reflection will help you internalize the benefits of your connection with the tree.

Conclusion: Embrace the Healing Power of Trees

Tree hugging is a simple, yet profoundly healing practice. Whether it’s for stress relief, emotional healing, or physical rejuvenation, the act of connecting with trees offers a wide range of benefits for your mind, body, and spirit. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s essential to remember the power of nature to restore and renew us. So, the next time you find yourself in the presence of a tree, don’t be afraid to give it a hug—you might be surprised at how much better you feel!  If you are a nature based OT Practitioner, you may want to add tree hugging into your therapy toolkit! A fun tree hugging game in a group if you have access to big huge trees, is to see how many children it takes to hug the tree all the way around. Happy Tree Hugging!  FYI - Tree-Hugging Day is celebrated on September 22, the Autumn Equinox.

Thanks for reading.

~ Lisa Haverly 🌲

Nature Superhero Network

https://lisarhaverly.podia.com/

References:

• Li, Q. (2010). Effect of forest bathing on human health and well-being. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 15(1), 47-56.

• Park, B. J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., et al. (2007). Physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing): Evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 15(1), 18-26.

• Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420-421.

Equinox

By LaVaughn Busse

It stood above the others

unnoticed in summers past

above the lilacs and caragana and ash

I met the unexpected cottonwood

late summer following the death of my father

On the path in the West shelter

fully grown with space to lean

framing the mid-September sun

It was split with a Y

it would not let me pass

It called to me in a soundless voice,

and then a quiet but familiar whisper

Come close it said

to touch to listen

And so I did

I embrace the cottonwood

years now

I listen for its voice

I seek the Voice

I listen, It speaks

it offers comfort

conversations with a tree

they laugh

I mourn

the southern Y left quietly

in a better place perhaps?

now a few years back

half a leafless sculpted monument remains

still framing the late summer sun

with wisdom earned

how long will the cottonwood stand tall?

will it greet me when all else is gone?

I ponder the mystery of silence.

a record grown complete.

just me to listen for its soft voice?

now still, framing the late summer sun.