Scientists in Japan have studied the physical benefits of being around trees. Many Japanese people practice something they call “forest bathing,” or shinrin-yoku. According to these scientific studies, the sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air — these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in a forest of any size can restore our mood, lower our blood pressure, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us.
In a completely unrelated bit of news, The Heritage Inn, Snowflake and the White Mountains region are a tree and forest rich part of Arizona.