How to embrace the beauty and benefits of trees

Cheryl Rickman shares her tips for harnessing the health benefits of trees and nature:

Schedule in 20 minutes of “green” walking in parks, woodland and natural environments every day without distraction so you can tune into the sights, sounds and scents that trees offer.

Throughout the day, pause to look out of your window at trees for a few moments to combat screen fatigue. Even better, go outside, look up at a tree, place your hand on its trunk and take a few slow breaths. This can provide an instant de-stressor. Find a tree you love and take the time to stand or sit with it from time to time and breathe with it. Focus on the connection between you and the tree, be aware that you are breathing in oxygen provided by the tree and the tree is taking in the carbon that you are breathing out. Focus on this cycle of giving to each other as you inhale and exhale with your tree.

Participate in a daily photo challenge, such as #100daysoftrees on Instagram, as a reminder to pay attention to the trees around you each day of the challenge. Share trees that made you feel good or symbolised the kind of day you’ve had. Reciprocation is especially important now so give back to nature by joining a local rewilding or woodland regeneration project, a community tree-planting initiative or donate to tree-conservation charities, such as The Woodland Trust.