May: Mental Health Awareness Week

Did you know?

In this fascinating clip, sifaka lemurs hug trees to cool down. However, their peaceful demeanour suggests they may have discovered the mental health benefits of tree hugging.

In Japan, tree hugging is part of shinrin yoku, or forest bathing – a mindful practice shown to reduce stress, boost immunity and release oxytocin, the hormone that makes us feel safe and connected. You don’t need a forest to feel the effects – just one tree and a quiet moment.

Recommended Activities:

🌳💓 If there’s a tree on your school grounds that’s huggable, take a moment to give it a hug! Then, try a simple science investigation: measure your heart rate before and after hugging the tree. Does it slow down? This can help you explore how calming activities like tree hugging may affect your body and stress levels.

🌳🗣️ Imagine a tree could talk – what would it say after being hugged by a human? Would it feel surprised, grateful, or amused? Prepare a short monologue from the tree’s point of view and deliver it using your best oracy skills.

🌳🎨Simply focusing your attention on natural things – like trees and flowers – instead of man-made objects can lift your mood and reduce anxiety. Take a few quiet moments to observe a tree in your school grounds, then make a sketch of what you see. For guidance, use the wonderful Tips for Sketching Trees by Janet Robinson.