23/10/2025
👋Last night's live on my group...FLOURISH, GROW & FIND YOUR FLOW https://www.facebook.com/groups/247756786989612 featured my best tip to benefit your mind, body & soul. This is one that you can implement RIGHT NOW, and..... it's FREE.
It's not just hippie nonsense! Tree hugging is so therapeutic for you and has lots of benefits.
Research shows that hugging a tree adds a unique sensory and physical dimension to benefiting from interacting with nature. It can even create a stronger immune system.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen so when you are surrounded by trees in a wood or forest you are in a oxygen rich environment. So you are more likely to be breathing in fewer pollutants, especially if the area is way from main busy roads.
Trees are a stress buster! The physical contact of hugging a tree in a natural peaceful environment moves you from a 'fight or flight' response system, helps to lower cortisol and puts you into a 'rest and digest' mode. This helps you to recharge and increase the production of serotonin. Hello happy hormone! A great mood booster indeed! Studies have shown that spending time near trees can increase feelings of happiness and reduce anger and frustration. Your vibration is increased and your energy is restored to a higher level both in mind and body.
Increases focus and creativity. This is beneficial especially for this who are working on laptops and with modern technology for long periods of time. Immersing in nature restores clarity of mind for individuals experiencing 'directed attention fatigue'. It helps with problem solving, to focus on what is important, gives you time back, and increases creativity. Have you ever seen a face human or animal in the trunk of a tree?
Promotes a grounding experience by focusing on the texture of the tree trunk, the smell of it's leaves and the sound of the woodland or forest.This is a form of mindfulness as it puts you in the present moment.
Trees emit immune boosting antimicrobial essential oils called phytoncides.These not only help to protect themselves from attack as part of their defence system, but research shows they seek out and defeat bacterial infections and fight tumours within us too.
Last week I encouraged my photographer to hug a tree after he had experienced a very long stressful week, before we started the shoot. At first he laughed his head off at the suggestion, but admitted afterwards that he felt so much more relaxed and we had great fun too! It certainly showed in the piccies!
With the change of the clocks this weekend, the shorter days and longer nights, we don't have to feel low or struggle with SAD ( seasonal affected disorder)....Just go for it....
🍁Look for a tree that you feel energetically drawn to.
🍁 Notice the tree as you approach it. Feel the texture of the bark, smell the surroundings, maybe if it's a pine tree crunch the needles in you hand and inhale the fresh pine smell.
🍁 Put your arms around the tree, inhale deeply and slowly and exhale through the mouth. Feel and imagine you are harmonising with the living tree.
🍁 Stay there for a few minutes and notice and physical sensations with the tree and simply allow your racing thoughts to gradually slow down and focus on being present in the moment.
