Icelanders have come up with a creative way to beat the self-isolation blues – by hugging trees instead of people.
“Why not come and enjoy the forest, where you can hug the trees and just get the energy from this area,” said Bergrun Arna Thorsteindottir, a ranger at Iceland’s Hallosrmsstadur National Forest.
The rangers have even given helpful tips on how to best embrace the local woods.
“It’s good to close your eyes while hugging a tree. I press my cheek against it and feel the warmth and currents flowing from the tree into me… it starts in your toes, runs up your legs and through your body into your brain. You get such a good relaxing feeling that are ready for a new day and new challenges,” they said.
http://https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DRREZgH0R/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Alongside their tips, the forestry service has put up photos demonstrating the many tree-hugging techniques.
The rangers have been working to clear paths in the nearby national forests so locals can enjoy their outdoor activities.
Iceland has recorded 1,773 COVID-19 cases and only 10 deaths. The country has been praised for response to the virus, conducting widescale testing and an early lockdown intervention.
The country plans to ease its restrictions in early May as the rate of infection is reported to have slowed down.