Feel down? Go hug(拥抱) a tree! These days, many young Chinese people turn to trees to deal with stress(应对压力). They share stories online about how hugging a tree brings them calm feelings.They call it tree-hugging therapy(树疗).
In fact, tree-hugging therapy is nothing new, It was once a popular activity in countries like Finland and Iceland. People in Finland even hold the Tree Hugging World Championships at the end of August every year
Hugging trees may sound a little strange, but there is science behind it, In 1984, The US scientist Edward Wilson pointed out that we're born to love being around other living things. Our love of nature is "in our DNA".Some studies also looked into why hugging trees can help with our health. A study in 2021reported that the activity can help produce oxytocin(催产素). It has something to do with our moods(心情). A higher level(含量) of oxytocin can make people feel much calmer and happier.The activity of hugging trees is helpful to us, but it's important to keep in mind that we shouldn't harm nature while doing it. So, hug a tree just like how you hug a friend!
