6 of the World’s Most Tranquil Trees
Hurried cities, fast trains, responsibilities that never end. It’s no surprise many of us are stressed. What might surprise you is that something as simple as spending time in a forest can reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and even help you sleep. Even just a five-minute walk through the trees can make a difference.
I wish I could bring the forest to you, but sadly I can’t. So I’ll give you the next best thing: a virtual tour through six of the most tranquil and soothing trees in the world.
Before we get started, here’s some calming music to listen to as you read.
1. Antelope Valley, CA, USA
Photo: Rennett Stowe
This desert beauty is commonly called the Joshua tree, but its actual name is the yucca brevifolia. It thrives in the Mojave Desert and produces gorgeous creamy white flowers in the spring.
2. Ayutthaya, Thailand
Photo: Swaminathan
Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. A sleeping Buddha rests in this 50-year-old fig tree in Wat Mahatat, Ayutthaya historical park. You might be wondering what Buddha’s head is doing in the tree, but the truth is, no one knows exactly how he got there. Some people think the tree simply grew around his head, and he has stayed there ever since.
3. Somewhere in France
As if you needed another excuse to take a trip to the French countryside.
These colors were on display in France during fall months. The wooden bridge, orange leaves, and looming fog make this scene almost creepy — but no less beautiful.
4. Shanghai, China
Photo: Kamal Zharif Kamaludin
The winter of 2011 brought a huge snowstorm to Shanghai. It stopped hundreds of buses, flights, and construction sites all over the city. The result was this beautiful white stillness.
Are you feeling relaxed yet?
5. Los Angeles, CA, USA
Let’s journey back to the USA to appreciate the glory that is this lanky palm tree in the California sunset.
Most people don’t know that the palm tree’s true name is arecaceae. Palm trees are resilient and versatile — they can live anywhere from rainforests to deserts.
6. Seattle, WA, USA
Photo: Wonderlane
Imagine sitting on the bench beneath this giant tree, listening to the sound of the water. What could be more tranquil?
Seattle, like our home in Portland, has no shortage of native trees. Many of them lose their leaves in the winter; others don’t.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through the world’s virtual forests. Don’t forget to take a break every now and then to appreciate one in person. If you’re like most people, a stroll through a green, park-like setting is more likely to calm your mind than a walk through city streets.
Even wild hunters, like this majestic spotted leopard, can’t help but relax around trees.
“@Globe_Pics: A beautiful leopard sleeping a tree. pic.twitter.com/A3Xq2sPfwl” the beauty of the animal kingdom at rest — rod sm (@rodsmith1961) February 1, 2015
Is that song still playing? Our tour is almost over. Just for fun, which tree was your favorite? Weigh in on this poll and see if others agreed with you.
How do you use nature to help you relax? Have a favorite outdoor spot? Tell us in the comments?
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