Tree Hugging Scientifically Proven to Improve Your Health
Tree hugging has now been shown to have scientific validity after all. Contrary to popular belief, touching a tree does make you healthier. In fact you don’t even have to touch the tree to get better, just being within its vicinity has the same effect.
In a recently published book, Blinded by Science, the author Matthew Silverstone, proves scientifically that trees improve many health issues such as; mental illnesses, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), concentration levels, reaction times, depression and the ability to alleviate headaches.
Countless studies have shown that children show significant psychological and physiological effects in terms of their health and well-being when they interact with plants. They demonstrate that children function better cognitively and emotionally in green environments and have more creative play in green areas.
A large public health report that investigated the association between green spaces and mental health concluded that “access to nature can significantly contribute to our mental capital and wellbeing”.
One report concluded with the following: “safe, green spaces may be as effective as prescription drugs in treating some forms of mental illnesses”.
I know my children are much happier and healthier looking since we moved from the city to the Monongahela National Forest. A lot less pollution, skies are bluer, and the air is cleaner. We drank from the streams that come off the mountains while hiking in the Cranberry Backcountry.
We eat wild strawberries, blackberries, and fresh apples. These are Nature-made!
And my friends and family said tree huggers were crazy. Now we have “SCIENTIFIC” proof they were wrong… Well, maybe just a little crazy!
Thank You
