New Delhi: Touching wood has been often seen as a way of bringing luck to any person or situation. However, there is a lot more to it – according to experts, this habit could also be effective enough to have a calming effect on the mind. Additionally, this technique could be effective for fighting stress and stressful situations. Ever wondered how? Read on to know what experts at the University of Oxford have discovered.
How does touching wood reduce stress?
Researchers at the University of Oxford have found that stroking wooden surfaces such as a table or a kitchen surface, can have the same effect on the nerves as petting animals like dogs. Experts say that stroking wood is like stroking a dog and it can work well to lower blood pressure. It is one of the best ways to beat stress, and is far more effective than stroking steel or marble, even if have the same temperature.
When stress levels peak, after a day at work or school or for any reason, researchers recommend stroking wood as it can induce positive feelings. Even at home stores, while shopping for furniture, people end up stroking wooden objects like tables and surfaces to check how they feel. For a long time, even the fragrance of plants and wood was used as a means to reduce stress – untreated panels and planks of chopped trees had maximum benefits. Experts say that wood panelling is done at school and in offices and homes to give out a positive fragrance.
The fragrance has been relied upon for several years after wood is placed in a particular place. Experts say that people who worked on a test in a concrete room as compared to those who worked in a pine room had higher stress levels and this is owed to the difference in scent. Studies have previously stated that forest bathing and hanging out in parks and woodlands can reduce anxiety, stress, blood pressure, and blood sugar while boosting immunity.
Tips to reduce stress
Some of the simplest techniques to reduce stress are:
Meditation
Laughter therapy
Aromatherapy
Exercise
Healthy diet
Listening to music
Yoga
Researchers at the University of Oxford have found that stroking wooden surfaces such as a table or a kitchen surface, can have the same effect on the nerves as petting animals like dogs. Experts say that stroking wood is like stroking a dog and it can work well to lower blood pressure. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
