Do Trees Have Healing Power?

But can trees really heal you? The answer to this question isn’t as easy as yes or no, but there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that simply being in nature has great psychological benefits, and can even help with physical ailments such as asthma, heart disease, and chronic pain. Here are some of the ways that spending time in trees can positively affect your health and well-being.

How trees could help anxiety sufferers

Anxiety can present itself in a variety of different ways. There are many different types, ranging from social anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It's possible that trees, which have been found to have therapeutic effects on humans, could help people with some forms of anxiety. For example, if you're suffering from PTSD and experience flashbacks regularly, being near a tree could provide you with some comfort.

The leaves rustling in the wind might remind you of your time serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, but not in a negative way. The soothing sounds and sights of nature could be just what you need to calm down after an episode. If you've never experienced something like that before, it might seem like an odd treatment for anxiety. But studies show that interacting with nature is beneficial for those who suffer from mental health issues such as depression or PTSD because it helps relieve stress and boost energy levels.

The benefits of nature to mental health

Reducing stress and enhancing social connections are just two of many ways that time in nature can contribute to your well-being. Getting outside, where trees are growing, may also have positive effects on several aspects of physical health.

These include lowering blood pressure and improving lung function, as well as boosting energy levels and contributing to weight loss. There is even evidence that exposure to natural environments can protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Ultimately, spending time in nature could be a simple way to feel good both physically and mentally. When you are stressed out or need a boost, try going for a walk among trees; you might be surprised by how quickly you feel better!

However, not all research supports these conclusions. A study done at Stanford University found that while people living close to green spaces had lower overall mortality rates (60%), they did not see any significant reduction in mortality from cancer (44%) or cardiovascular disease (33%). Although there were some trends toward decreased cancer risk with increased green space access and increased exercise from being outdoors, overall these associations were small. Other studies have also found null associations between access to green spaces and reduced cancer risk

The importance of living near trees

When humans come into contact with trees on a regular basis, their mental health is likely to improve. The presence of nature in our daily lives can help reduce stress, boost our mood and increase feelings of self-worth.

Studies have also found that people who live in greener neighborhoods are less likely to suffer from depression, stress and anxiety. Living near trees is essential for physical health as well: Being exposed to clean air and sunlight can help improve blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

If you don’t have many trees near your home or office, you should look into planting some or moving to an area with more greenery—both will benefit your health! The benefits of walking through a forest: According to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology, walking through a forest provides therapeutic benefits similar to those provided by traditional talk therapy.

Researchers believe it has something to do with how forests make us feel—our surroundings trigger positive emotions, which causes us to think about our problems differently and come up with new solutions. Although most research has been done on walking through natural forests (versus urban parks), scientists think it could still be beneficial if we get out into nature every now and then.

For example, taking your dog for walks can be good for both of you! Dogs are social creatures that thrive off human interaction; plus they need exercise just like we do.

Ways to incorporate trees into your daily life

We can’t walk around with a tree or two on our shoulders, but there are plenty of ways to incorporate trees into your daily life. Try planting a tree or two in your yard, even if it’s small. Each day you should spend some time outside under a tree, whether you go for a walk through your neighborhood or just sit outside and enjoy nature while doing work on your computer.

If you live in an urban area like I do, simply plant one small shrub in front of your house or apartment so that it’s visible when you step out onto your patio or balcony. Alternatively, check out street trees planted along sidewalks; these are free for anyone to enjoy! These options will allow you to take advantage of trees without spending a lot of money or taking up too much space.

You can also try incorporating certain aromatherapy oils into your daily routine as well—lavender is great for relaxation, orange promotes creativity and lemon increases energy levels. Take advantage of all these opportunities by incorporating trees into your life!