I (25F) googled this as a joke, but apparently, pine woods create their own microclimate, and the air is filled with a pine-producing compound Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
(don’t worry, I can’t pronounce it either) 😅
What’s important is that the relaxing feeling you experience when you’re close to the pine trees isn’t because of the beautiful scenery. Instead, it’s the chemical (MSM) you inhale.
First Time I Noticed
I had a long weekend trip to another town, and the road was going through the woods.
I felt a bit stressed, and I can’t say that driving through nature relaxed me at all. Eventually, I had to stop for a little break.
It was only after I opened my car doors that I suddenly started to feel relaxed and began to appreciate the beauty.
I caught myself chuckling as I realized these were the same trees just a moment ago. But at the same time, they weren’t.
Carry The Forest With You
After a bit more googling, I found that you can actually get methylsulfonylmethane as a dietary supplement.
And wouldn’t you know it, it is promoted as a powerful antioxidant and a calming agent.
Who would have thought, right? 😉