Tree air is around trees and travels great distances across the globe. Boreal forest air moves all around the globe. Tree air is full of molecules that trees secrete to protect themselves from predators like insects. We benefit from these molecules of natural anti-inflammatories, antivirals, antibiotics, antiseptics and analgesics.
Researchers are increasingly treating exposure to trees like we now treat drugs.
Time spent close to trees (dose) shows large health benefits (response).
Exactly how much near trees is required to get the health benefits?
The following section shows you this.
Tree Air Action Plan With Times
Research shows the required time to get the health benefits.
The printable sheet has the health benefits on a time continuum from 1 minute to several days.
The printable has questions that I am asked, and my answers.
This is your chance to get the information.
Rigorous research backs each of these actions in your plan.
I hope you soak in the amazing health benefits of trees.
Five Ways to Get The Health Benefits of Trees
One, through trees and green space in and around your community and your home.
Two, when you go to a community green space, go out in the garden, or sit under a tree in your yard.
Three, when you walk to destinations (shops, school).
Four, when you look out on trees and green space through a window.
Five, when you exercise outside.
Each of these five ways to get the health benefits of trees are in previous blog posts here.
What You Should Do To Maximize the Health Benefits of Trees?
One, breathe deeply when you are near trees.
Two, on urban walks, walk under trees.
What is Green Exercise?
Green exercise is any activity outside in and around trees. Research shows the mental health benefits kick in immediately. And there are good long term health outcomes.
UK biological scientists Barton and Pretty,University of Essex, published “What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health?”
How They Did It
Barton, Pretty et al did a multi-study analysis.
They research analyzed 10 UK studies involving 1252 participants.
They measured improvement in self esteem and mood.
Study outcomes were measured as dose-responses.
That is, participants were assessed for both exercise intensity (dose) and time spent close to trees (dose) showed large benefits (response).
Short times (dose) in green exercise showed less but still positive returns (response).
Tree Air Action Plan
Protective Gear
Do you have a chronic disease or sensitivity to sun or cold? In my blogs I provide links to the protective clothing and gear that I wear. I have researched these too because they are crucial to helping me to stay and play outside.
As long as Columbia keeps developing its patented SPF 60 omniheat and omnicool technology in their clothing, I will wear it exclusively.
Feel good about feeling good.
Say it with me.
“Healthy Tree, Healthy Me”
There are a lot of benefits on trees, we can use them as medicine, shelter, for school supplies and many more…
It’s interesting how we can get mental health benefits from trees. I really like this.
As the weather begins to warm I’m looking forward to getting outdoors and enjoying nature.
So interesting! I love trees. Great info and ideas!
This is such a great concept! I am working hard to plan weekend time out in the trees! Thanks for all of the information.
Great advice! I always enjoy my time outdoors. 🙂
I love being in the woods and don’t go there nearly enough. But this is a good reminder that I can reap the benefits in small ways and not just all day hikes.
You always remind me to get my butt outside!
There is something about being out in nature that is relaxing and refreshing! I know it certainly is a cure for anxiety, stress, and depression!
Thank you for the great information!
Great info I was not aware that it has been researched. I love being out with trees. Thanks for sharing.
The snow is finally starting to melt where I live and it has been great! We have been outside in the woods enjoying the fresh air! It can’t get better than that.
As always, great advice!! Being near trees always helps to “reset” me and clear my mind. It’s so comforting and peaceful!
Great advice! I love being around trees! I’m trying to make sure I get enough tree air.
I love running in my neighborhood. The streets are lined with trees on both sides. It always make me happy to see them while I run!
This is very interesting. I’m glad there is proven science behind the benefits of trees and I hope people start taking this advice seriously, for the health of humans and the planet overall.
I can always tell when it’s been too long between my walks…I miss the fresh air, trees and nature. Green exercise, as you refer to it, is so refreshing for me, for exercise, stress release, and as I’m learning from you, other health benefits, too!
This is so smart, being outside is so great and always cheers me up I didn’t know it was such a serious thing.
I try to walk outside several times per week. When that isn’t possible, I have three beautiful oak trees between my house and my lake. I can practically grab the trees from my window/screened porch. Great post!
I love being outside! I plan to hike as many trails this summer as possible.
Love the phrase at the end, “Healthy tree, healthy me.” Such a great reminder of the importance of trees! Not only are they a gorgeous addition to our world but who knew they had such a positive benefit on our health. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
I love how you’ve shared so many well-researched ways to take advantage of the health benefits of trees!
Very eye and mind opening! Thanks for the tips. We love being outside, and knowing that trees by themselves are so beneficial to health makes it even more of a priority that we get out there!
This article made me want to go hug a Sugar Pine! Thanks for sharing.
When I quit my “real” job, I told myself I would be outside more often…..well I work from home and am constantly inside. Thank you for reminding me to go outside and be with nature!