I Hug Trees: A Home for Nature, Climate, and Biodiversity Action

🌿 The benefits of hugging trees - A special feature

Have you ever walked down a road that once felt cool and shady — and now feels like it’s cooking under the sun? One missing tree might be the culprit. In cities, trees are more than decoration — they are microclimate stabilizers. They reduce surface temperatures by several degrees, protect buildings from heat exposure, and cool down entire streets through shade and transpiration. When a single mature tree is cut, it’s not just a tree lost — it’s a shield removed.

What many don’t realize is that urban trees create what scientists call a "cool island effect." That one big neem or peepal near your gate? It’s probably saving you more electricity than your ceiling fan. When gone, concrete and asphalt absorb more heat and release it slowly, turning once-friendly streets into heat traps, especially at night.

But beyond temperature, hugging a tree offers a kind of stillness we rarely find in modern life. That moment of contact — bark against skin, breath slowing with the breeze — does something gentle to our minds. It’s like the tree is saying, "You're okay. You're part of something steady and old and beautiful."

Scientifically, hugging a tree can trigger the release of oxytocin — the hormone associated with bonding and trust. It’s the same chemical that makes us feel close to loved ones. So when you're holding onto a tree, your body begins to relax, your mind softens, and a subtle sense of safety settles in.

Trees also support our immune system. The oils they release — called phytoncides — have antibacterial and antifungal properties. When we breathe in these forest aerosols, especially after rain, they help us fight off illness. Nature, quite literally, becomes medicine.

Step closer to the tree and pause for a moment. Take a deep breath. Notice the patterns in the bark, the curve of its branches, and the leaves dancing in the breeze. Then, gently place your hands on the trunk. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. With each exhale, imagine your stress leaving your body, flowing down the tree like water soaking into its roots.

As you embrace the tree, rest your cheek against its bark. Feel the texture beneath your fingers — rough and sturdy, yet oddly comforting. The tree stands still, unbothered by the world’s noise. In that moment, you’ll likely feel your heart rate slowing down and your mind becoming quieter.

Feeling overwhelmed? Anxious? Or just craving some quiet time? Step outside, find a tree, and wrap your arms around it. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and let nature do the rest. It may feel unusual at first, but that moment of stillness can be incredibly powerful. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect time’ — try it today and notice how your body and mind respond.

Hugging trees also helps us reconnect with something we’ve forgotten: presence. When you hug a tree, there are no notifications, no scrolling, no noise. Just the quiet rhythm of breath and bark. It's a natural mindfulness practice — no app required.

And emotionally? Trees don’t interrupt. They don’t judge. They just hold space. When life feels chaotic, being with a tree — even silently — offers grounding. It's like having a wise old friend who asks for nothing, yet gives everything.

So next time you pass that old tree in your neighbourhood, pause. Place a hand on its trunk. Let it remind you that nature isn't something separate — it's where we come from, and where we can return when we need to feel whole again.