Rangers In Iceland Urge People To Hug Trees

by Suchismita Pal
Rangers In Iceland Urge People To Hug Trees

The coronavirus pandemic has forced all of us to stay indoors and socially distance ourselves from others. While we are trying to save ourselves from one disease, it is giving way to another underrated ailment. That’s depression. The prolonged lockdown in various countries has pulled people closer to the feeling of loneliness. Many people are even staying away from their families, with no human touch or haptics since long. Considering the intensity of this issue, the rangers in Iceland have come up with a heartwarming solution. Read on!

What’s Happening?

The rangers working in Hallormsstadur National Forest of East Iceland have recently cleared the forest snow, urging people to come and hug the trees. They have to be far from other human beings, but at the same time, they can safely be in the proximity of mother nature. Hallormsstaður is known as one of the biggest forests in Iceland and it has more than 90 species of trees. The forest authorities have kept the paths wide enough so that visitors can easily maintain the recommended two-metre distance between them.

Iceland
Picture Credits: Skogur

What Else?

A senior ranger at the forest, Bergrun Arna Thorsteinsdottir recommended not to hurry and hug the tree immediately. According to her suggestions, a person should hold a tree in his arms for at least five minutes a day. She also added that trees give out most energy during the summer months.

In wellness specialist Madisyn Taylor’s words, “Hugging or sitting with your spine against the trunk of any tree can ground your body and inspire a profound closeness with nature as the energy of the tree connects to you. Making physical contact with a tree can help you relax, alleviate stress, sleep more deeply, and hold on to more positive energy. Trees can absorb great amounts of energy and have the ability to soak up harmful energy from deep within you. If you are feeling anxious, sad, drained, or tense, then try hugging a tree.”

Forest Therapy is even used as a depression healing technique in Japan.

Iceland
Picture Credits: Skogur

This unique invite by the rangers is definitely a treat for every nature lover. Also, this is going to be a really great idea for you, if there’s a garden or even a tree around your house. So, go and cuddle the leafy buddy right now and thank us later.