Home » Tree Hugs for Health, A Record-Breaking Mission

Tree Hugs for Health, A Record-Breaking Mission

By Bernard Gitau @bernard-gitau

Feeling stressed out? Take a stroll over to a nearby tree and give it a big bear hug. Believe it or not, science has actually proven that hugging trees can work wonders for your stress levels, immune system, blood pressure, and overall health.

One young Kenyan, Truphena Muthoni, has made it her mission to spread the word about the health benefits of tree hugging. At just 21 years old, she knows firsthand the power of connecting with nature, especially after overcoming a mental health disorder.

According to Muthoni, who is a sustainability musician and a mental health advocate, tree hugging is not just about personal healing – it’s a powerful reminder of our deep connection to the natural world.

In fact, Muthoni is so passionate about tree hugging that she’s aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the longest tree hugging marathon. The current record, set by Abdul Hakim Awal, a journalist from Ghana, lasted for 24 hours and 21 minutes, breaking the previous record of 16 hours set by Ugandan environmental activist Faith Patricia Ariokot.

Hakim took the challenge to highlight the importance of nature conservation in Ghana, making a pledge to plant a new tree for every minute his record attempt lasted, finishing at a total of 1,461 minutes.

Muthoni believes that tree hugging isn’t just a quirky activity – it’s a way to show respect for the environment and inspire others to take action: “The practice of tree hugging encourages us to view trees not merely as resources to be exploited but as living beings that sustain life on Earth. It fosters a deep sense of responsibility for the environment and inspires us to take actions that protect and preserve our natural world.”

Muthoni’s tree-mendous event will take place at the serene and picturesque John Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi on Friday, January 31st, 2025, starting at 6:00 pm Kenyan time.

“I am fully prepared and eager to shatter the current record. I am ready to embrace that tree for a whopping 48 hours, shattering the time of the current titleholder,” she declared in an interview with Big3 Africa.

The current record holder, Hakim, had to endure a grueling 24-hour hug without any breaks, standing with arms wrapped around the tree the entire time. But now, with the record officially recognized by Guinness World Records as a marathon attempt, Muthoni will be allowed two-hour breaks per day during her attempt.

Science behind tree hugging for health benefits

Tree hugging reduces stress: Research published in the journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine (Ohtsuka, 2017) demonstrated that simply touching a tree for a few minutes can reduce stress hormone levels, leading to feelings of relaxation and calm.

Immune System Boost: Trees release phytoncides, natural compounds that protect them from disease. When we hug a tree or breathe in the forest air, we absorb these phytoncides, which have been shown to enhance our immune system’s function (Li, 2008).

Improved Mood: A study published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning (Song, 2018) found that spending time with trees and engaging in forest therapy can significantly improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Lower Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a major health concern, but regular tree hugging may help. A study in the Journal of Cardiology (Mao et al., 2012) demonstrated that participants who spent time in forests and hugged trees had lower blood pressure compared to those who did not.

Enhanced Creativity and Cognitive Function: Nature has a remarkable effect on our cognitive abilities. A study published in PLOS ONE (Berman et al., 2012) found that interacting with nature, including hugging trees, can improve cognitive function, creativity, and overall mental well-being.

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