The Nature Cure: How Outdoor Prescriptions Are Changing Healthcare
In recent years, healthcare providers have been exploring an innovative approach to improving physical and mental health—nature prescriptions. These prescriptions, written by doctors and health practitioners, encourage patients to spend time outdoors by engaging in activities like strolling through a park, tending a garden, or enjoying some outdoor exercise. With growing evidence highlighting the positive impact of spending time in nature, this approach is becoming a popular tool for healthcare. So, what are nature prescriptions all about, and how could they really change the landscape of public health?
What Are Nature Prescriptions?
Nature prescriptions, also known as “green prescriptions” or “Park Rx,” are healthcare interventions that encourage patients to spend time in natural settings. This practice has roots in Japan’s Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” which emphasizes the therapeutic effects of being immersed in nature. Today, nature prescriptions are becoming more structured, with healthcare providers integrating them into clinical care alongside traditional treatments.
The types of nature prescriptions vary widely, including:
Walking in parks or nature trails to improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress
Gardening activities to promote relaxation and increase physical activity
Water-based activities like kayaking or swimming, which can have calming effects and improve fitness
Forest bathing and mindfulness exercises to lower blood pressure and enhance mental well-being
The Science Behind Nature’s Healing Power
Research shows that spending time in nature can have profound effects on mental and physical health. A scoping review of nature prescriptions found that they benefit both adults and children, with reported outcomes including stress reduction, improved attention, and enhanced emotional well-being. These benefits stem from several factors:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety – Exposure to natural environments lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Studies suggest that even short-term exposure to green spaces can significantly improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improved Physical Health – Regular time in nature encourages physical activity, which lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
Enhanced Cognitive Function – Time in nature has been shown to restore attention and cognitive function by reducing mental fatigue. Natural settings allow brain networks responsible for focus and executive function to rest and recover.
Better Sleep and Overall Well-Being – Increased time spent outdoors, particularly in natural light, helps regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep patterns and overall well-being.
Challenges and Opportunities for Nature Prescriptions
Despite their growing popularity, nature prescriptions face some challenges in implementation:
Standardization Issues – There is currently no universal framework for prescribing nature-based interventions, leading to variations in terminology and treatment approaches.
Access Barriers – Socioeconomic factors, lack of green spaces in urban areas, and transportation challenges can limit the effectiveness of nature prescriptions for some populations.
Awareness and Training – Many healthcare providers are not yet familiar with the science behind nature prescriptions, highlighting the need for more education and integration into medical training programs.
However, opportunities exist to enhance the reach and impact of nature prescriptions. Programs like Park Rx and other community initiatives are working to bridge gaps in access, ensuring that more people can benefit from nature-based interventions. Additionally, partnerships between healthcare providers and environmental organizations can create more structured approaches to incorporating nature into patient care.
The Future of Nature-Based Healthcare
As awareness grows and more research is conducted, nature prescriptions have the potential to become a mainstream component of healthcare. Policymakers and healthcare institutions can support this movement by investing in urban green spaces, promoting outdoor education, and incorporating nature prescriptions into public health initiatives.
Looking to bring a little more nature into your everyday routine? The answer is as easy as getting outside! Whether it’s enjoying a stroll through the park, spending some time tending to your garden, or hitting the trails for a weekend hike, embracing the outdoors can be a simple and cost-free way to boost your health and well-being.
More and more, the healthcare world is recognizing that nature truly is powerful medicine.
To learn more about nature prescriptions, see the scoping review below:
A scoping review of nature prescriptions offered by healthcare providers
Whitlee Migl, Haley Mathis, Matthew Spencer, Ruby Hernandez, Jay E. Maddock