Being in a lockdown for 21 days has made me realize the importance of certain things in life. I have started enjoying the chirping of birds, the fresh air, the lustrous trees and so much more. These were little things that I never noticed before thanks to my busy lifestyle.
And, honestly, appreciating the beauty of nature is so calming and soothing. Speaking of which, the Icelandic Forestry Service has asked people to hug trees while social distancing from humans, reports the Republic World.
In order to do so, forest rangers from the Hallormsstaður National Forest in East Iceland, are clearing snow from the roads so that people can go and hug trees.
“When you hug [a tree], you feel it first in your toes, then up your legs and into your chest and eventually up into your head. It is a wonderful feeling of relaxation,” Forest ranger Þór Þorfinnsson was quoted saying by News18.
However, this request comes along with a warning. Forest rangers have reportedly advised people to hug different trees. They told individuals not to hold on to the first tree they encounter.
As per forest rangers, hugging a tree for five minutes helps you start your day on a happy note. “Five minutes is really good, if you can give yourself five minutes of your day to hug [a tree], that’s definitely enough,” he added.
Also, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the novel coronavirus can stay on various surfaces, including wood, for different durations. Being surrounded by nature is undoubtedly relaxing. But we need to be extra careful during these troubled times.