Hug A Tree & Live Longer

This month we have both Earth Day and Arbor Day so it's high time to be amongst the trees. Even if you are hunkered down in the safety of your home during the pandemic, you can still derive healing benefits from gazing out of your window at nature's bounty. If your window faces man-made materials, there is science proving that a photograph of trees can impact you in a positive physical and emotional way. Verla Fortier, RN, author of Take Back Your Outside Mindset: Live Longer, Prevent Dementia, and Control Your Chronic Illness, shares some of the research she found about the healing powers of trees and nature. Diagnosed with systemic lupus, she was told to stay indoors to avoid the sun. And she did. Until she witnessed a noncompliant online support group participant. Katherine Chen, meditation teacher, talks about Bodhi Meditation and its connection to nature. If you can, go outside and hug a tree. And if you're not sure what kind of tree you're hugging, download a smartphone app: LeafSnap British Tree Identification PlantSnap Plant Identification TreeFinder