Beat the Pandemic Blues

People have been hugging trees for eons, as far back as 1730 in India, but who knew that it would be a globally enjoyedactivity during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic? From Iceland to India, people are hugging trees instead of people to help beat the pandemic blues.

Why a tree, you ask? According to Matthew Silverstone, author of the book Blinded by Science, the vibration in trees and plants offer health benefits, especially for mental health. At times like this unprecedented pandemic, mental health is certainly in need of preservation for us all as we are all in this together. 

So, as people around the world deal with strict social distancing guidelines to stop the spread of this deadly disease, that higher need for the comfort, closeness and reassurance we often get from the warm, simple hug of a loved one can be achieved in a way by hugging a tree.

There are over 70 different species of trees in Peel Region, including; maple, oak, beech, shagbark, hickory and sycamore. Pick a favourite tree nearby and join members of our community in a good tree hug moment to squish the loneliness away.