C
[2026南通市启东市期末]When was the last time you felt stressed? What did you do with it? Recently, many young people have turned to trees to help with their stress—they hug trees. It sounds so unusual, doesn't it? 1.
A
In 1984, a US scientist called Edward O. Wilson pointed out an idea called “biophilia hypothesis(亲生命假说)”. He said that humans are born to love being around other living things, such as trees, flowers and animals. Humans’ love for nature is in our blood. 2.
E
It also helps to explain why people love to keep pets to control stress.
3.
F
A study in 2021 reported that the activity can increase oxytocin(催产素). It’s a hormone which is responsible for feelings. The higher the level of oxytocin is, the calmer and happier we may be. Hugging trees for only 21 seconds can lead to an increase in oxytocin.
Another hormone called cortisol(皮质醇) is a marker of stress. The brain produces more cortisol when the person acts anxiously, angrily, or sadly. 4.
B
Thus, we can feel better.
Although the act is helpful to us, it’s important to keep in mind that we shouldn’t hurt trees while hugging them. 5.
C
A. But there’s science behind the act.
B. Hugging trees helps to cut down the production of cortisol.
C. We must be gentle when hugging trees—just like hugging a friend!
D. What’s the point of getting stressed about all kinds of bad situations?
E. This idea helps to explain why people prefer natural views to man-made views.
F. Some studies have looked into why tree-hugging can help with our mental health.
