Matt hugging tree

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Hug a tree

Published 22 April 2024

A recent study commissioned by Auckland Airport noted that four out of five New Zealanders don't like hugging in public. The study went on to note that nearly everyone likes getting a hug when they are at the airport.

But, apart from the hugs, airports aren't the loveliest places to be in Aotearoa. The airport research didn't note the benefit of hugging other things than people. If you are one of the 80% of Kiwi who don't enjoy public hugs, you should consider discretely hugging some trees outdoors. 

We have long known that spending time in nature positively affects our wellbeing. An investigation into the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) found forest environments promote lower cortisol concentrations, lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure, greater parasympathetic nerve activity, and lower sympathetic nerve activity than city environments. In plain English, this means that public recreational access to the outdoors can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

People who hug trees feel calmer and more relaxed than those who do not. Hugging (including hugging trees) increases the hormone oxytocin, which is responsible for emotional bonding and feelings of wellbeing, calmness, and trust. One way that we increase our production of oxytocin is through touch. 

During the initial COVID-19 lockdowns, the Icelandic Forest Service recommended hugging trees to reduce loneliness. This is because exposure to nature reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, and increases serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness and wellbeing. Additionally, physical exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce feelings of pain.

So get out there and hug a tree. (Make sure it's on public access, not someone's private property.) We must prioritise outdoor access and recreational areas to promote mental and physical health for everyone.