We know that trees have many benefits. In forests they provide habitat, wood, biodiversity and ecosystem services. In cities, they can mitigate the urban heat island effect by cooling the air and reducing greenhouse gases.
But, perhaps surprisingly, there is increasing evidence that trees are also good for our mental health.
Most people have heard of the term “tree-hugger,” often a nickname given to people who care about the environment and the planet. But did you know that hugging trees can actually improve your health? As a matter of fact, you don’t even have to hug a tree to reap the numerous health benefits, just being around trees and plants in nature is enough.
There is evidence confirming the healthful benefits of trees includes the effects they have on various issues like depression, concentration levels and even the ability to alleviate headaches. This practice has been going on since ancient times so it’s not just a new discovery.
Various studies showcase that children show extreme psychological and physiological effects in terms of their mental health and well-being when they regularly interact with plants and trees.
A public health report that investigated the association between green space and mental health concluded “access to nature can significantly contribute to our mental and capital wellbeing.”
There has also been a study done that shows the effectiveness of nature to alleviate symptoms of depression, and even promote attention and working memory. Maybe getting back to the basics and connected to who we are and where we came from is just what we need to center ourselves in this busy world.
Another report stated: “safe, green spaces may be as effective as prescription drugs in treating some forms of mental illnesses.”
These health effects that have been previously mentioned have nothing to do with the green spaces, but rather proving scientifically that it is the vibrational properties of the trees and plants that give us the health benefits.
How Does The Vibration Of Plants Affect Us?
Everything in the entire world vibrates, everything is literally vibration. Different vibrations affect biological behaviors. So naturally, when one touches a tree, or is in the general vicinity of a tree, its different vibrational pattern will affect various biological behaviours within your body.
This method may sound too good to be true, but what have you got to lose? It would be worth trying for sure! Perhaps this could even supplement other treatments.
In Japan, people practice ‘forest bathing’, where they spend quiet time absorbing the wisdom of ancient forests, taking long walks among the trees to stimulate their immune system. In Taoism, students are encouraged to meditate among trees, and it is believed that the trees will absorb negative energies, replacing them with healthy ones. Trees are seen as a source of emotional and physical healing, and themselves as meditators, absorbing universal energies.
What You Can Start Doing
- Bring plants into your office space or where you work.
- When going for walks, choose paths where you will be walking through parks or nature with trees.
- Bring your friends and family to treed areas more often when you go outside or play with the kids.
- Plant a garden and be amongst nature. You will connect with your food and the earth.
- Plant a tree in your own yard, or even in an area you feel could use a tree!
- Make time to go be amongst trees daily or every other day. Don’t be afraid to jump right in and hug the tree!