Iceland Is Encouraging People to Hug Trees, Not People, to Promote Social Distancing

Photo: Icelandic Forest Service

Iceland has taken a somewhat less restrictive approach to the coronavirus pandemic, closing schools and banning gatherings exceeding 20 people, but allowing forests to remain open. The IFS launched its tree hugging campaign by posting photos on its website depicting park rangers, friends, and family members all hugging trees. The organization has also been working to clear paths through the forests, so people can more easily access the trees.

According to Eysteinsson, “A walk in the woods is good for you, and it’s good for your morale during difficult times […] simply being in a different environment than the office or inside your house is invigorating. You feel somehow refreshed. It clears the mind. You somehow stop thinking about your everyday worries.”

Photo: Icelandic Forest Service

The “good for morale” argument has some scientific backing. A large-scale study by the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter in July 2019 found that people who spent at least two hours in nature were more likely to report good health and psychological well-being.