#AppreciationMonday: The first ever Scottish Tree Hugging Championships
Who wood have thought that hugging a tree could be so wholesome...
We have heard of our fair share of weird, but this has got to be the most literal version of the concept referred to as 'tree hugging'.
The concept of a tree hugger is traditionally known as someone who campaigns for the environment.
However, actually hugging a tree is a thing and is known to have incredible health benefits.
"Research shows the real & long-term benefits of spending time in the forest & around trees include, reduced stress, improved immunity, lower blood pressure & accelerated recovery from illness or trauma." (The Wilder Route)
With this in mind, people have committed to participating in the first ever Scottish Tree Hugging Championships.
"Events in the competition at Ardtornish, on Lochaber's Morvern peninsula, included hugging as many trees in one minute and freestyle - the most inventive way of hugging a tree." (BBC)
It seems that getting creative was part of the criteria as entrants had to hug as many trees in the space of one minute and be inventive in their ways of hugging.
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The winner was a local by the name of Alasdair Firth. He was dressed in a tree trunk costume and certainly was one with the trees...
Check out his hug below:
Image Courtesy of Instagram