Summary

Icelanders are encouraged to hug trees as a means of physical contact and stress relief during the social distancing measures of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

In response to the need for physical connection amidst extended periods of social distancing, Iceland has innovatively suggested its residents hug trees. This initiative, promoted by the Icelandic Forest Service, involves spending at least five minutes a day embracing trees to combat loneliness. Paths in East Iceland have been cleared to facilitate this activity, and the IFS website features images of people hugging trees. The act is reported to have a calming effect, promoting relaxation and good health, as well as reducing stress. While not everyone may have access to forests due to varying COVID-19 restrictions, the concept is presented as a universally beneficial practice.

Opinions

The idea of hugging trees is seen as a brilliantly simple and wholesome solution to the lack of human contact during the pandemic.
East Iceland's forest manager, Þór Þorfinnsson, describes the sensation of tree-hugging as a wave of calm from the toes up to the head.
Tree-hugging is suggested to be an effective way to relax and prepare oneself for daily challenges, with scientific backing indicating that exposure to trees can improve health and reduce stress.
The article encourages an open-minded approach to stress relief during the pandemic, suggesting that even if one feels silly initially, the potential benefits of tree-hugging outweigh any awkwardness.
The article implies a positive outlook, reassuring readers that "Everything is going to be okay," emphasizing the therapeutic nature of the activity.

Icelanders Are Hugging Trees Because Why Not?

This is the best and worst thing I’ve heard of this week.

You may have missed this small news item last week, but its pure genius and outside-the-box thinking make it worthy of extra attention. Apparently, Iceland’s suggestion for folks in need of physical contact during this extended time of social distancing is to find the nearest tree and wrap their arms around it in a big ol’ hug.

Say what?

According to Lonely Planet, “The Icelandic Forest Service (IFS) says that spending at least five minutes a day hugging your arboreal neighbors is a great way to beat loneliness in quarantine. Paths have been plowed through the snow in East Iceland to give residents easier access to trees, and trails have been expanded so hikers can get outdoors while keeping their distance. The IFS even updated its website with photos of people embracing trees of all shapes and sizes.”

How brilliantly simple and wholesome is that?

East Iceland’s forest manager Þór Þorfinnsson said in a radio interview, “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,”

Reportedly, tree-hugging inspires relaxation and makes one feel more prepared to face the day’s challenges. Also, it has been suggested that exposure to trees promotes good health and reduces stress in people living near them.

Source: Icelandic Forest Service. Photo by Skógræktin.

Have You Hugged a Tree Today?

While it’s not absolutely required to bear down on the nearest tree in a full-on bear hug, if you don’t have anyone else around to hug at the moment, hugging a tree can’t hurt.

Iceland has kept its national forests open and available during the COVID-19 safety measures, so there are plenty of opportunities for them to embrace trees. Residents of countries such as the US that have closed off public parks may have to settle for simply looking at trees or embracing whatever bit of greenery is readily available. (Note that some national parks have set up webcams so you can visit them remotely.)

It Can’t Hurt To Try

While some parts of the world are easing restrictions, it’s not yet universal and will likely not be for some time to come. Stress is on the rise, and sometimes you need to consider the occasional oddball suggestion.

You could do a lot worse than hug a tree. Trees are growing, living beings. They don’t judge. They’re sturdy and well-rooted.

They don’t get stressed as quickly, so they have calm to spare and share.

You can try this when you’re alone or, if you’ve been sheltering in with others, as a small group. You might feel a little silly a first. But then again, you might not.

What have you got to lose?

Hug a tree. Relax.

Everything is going to be okay.

Five Habits For Keeping Calm and Carrying On

No need to get stressed. Here’s how.

medium.com

If Change Was Easy, Everyone Would Be Doing It

How lasting change really works

medium.com

Thank you for reading. I’d love to share more with you via my Weekly Word Roundup newsletter sent to subscribers every Sunday. It will feature news, productivity tips, life hacks, and links to top stories making the rounds on the Internet. You can unsubscribe at any time!