Science & Technology, Australia (Commonwealth Union) – Nature prescriptions are those that involve doctors and healthcare professionals recommending time spent in nature as a way to improve mental and physical health. The concept of nature prescriptions is based on the growing understanding that spending time in nature has a range of health benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep quality and boosting the immune system.
The idea of nature prescriptions is not entirely new. For centuries, people have sought out natural environments for relaxation, reflection, and healing. However, the modern world has become increasingly disconnected from nature, with more people spending the majority of their time indoors and in front of screens. This has led to a rise in chronic health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and mental health disorders.
A good dose of nature maybe what the doctor should order according to a study conducted at The University of New South Wales (UNSW).
The study evaluated global evidence for nature prescriptions with its capability of enhancing health. 28 studies were analyzed involving the testing of nature prescriptions in real-world patients. The study was led by Professor Xiaoqi Feng from UNSW Medicine & Health along with Professor Thomas Astell-Burt from the University of Wollongong, who are the Co-Directors of the Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab.
The systematic review and meta-analysis, found noted that nature prescriptions gave both physical as well as mental health advantages. Patients saw lower blood pressure, and lesser depression and anxiety scores, and an increased daily step count.
“The evidence shows that nature prescriptions can help to restore and build capacities for better physical and mental health. What we need now is to work out how to make nature prescriptions happen in a sustained way for those people with high potential to benefit, but who currently spend little time in nature,” explained Professor Feng.
The study demonstrated that a brush with nature lowers detrimental factors to our health, such as those from bad air quality, heatwaves, together with chronic stress, while promoting healthy behaviors like socializing and physical activity. This can play a role in halting problems like loneliness, depression and cardiovascular disease.
“This study is built upon a long-term program of research that we are doing, where we show contact with nature – and trees especially – is really good for strengthening mental and physical health across our lives,” added Professor Feng.
Prior studies by Professor Feng had demonstrated that residing close to certain types of green space may enhance health. In an example provided from a study of roughly 47,000 adults in New South Wales (NSW), those residing in locations with 30% or more tree canopy indicated improved general health and lowered psychological distress. The study notified the City of Sydney’s $377 million strategy to go up to 40% green cover by 2050.
Professor Feng further indicated that even having a superior quality green space such as a park nearby, does not mean that everyone will visit and take advantage of it.
“How can we encourage and enable people to (re)connect with nature? That’s where the idea of a nature prescription comes in.”
Researchers indicated that nature prescriptions have risen as a supplement to standard medical care. These included, the UK Government recently allocating £5.77 million in a pilot program for ‘green social prescribing’ as well as Canadas national nature prescription program.
Australia also has seen increasing public interest for nature prescriptions, having a recent survey of the country’s adults led by Professor Feng demonstrating that more than 80% of those were receptive to the idea.
But there was an absence of large-scale nature prescription programs in Australia till now. More research would be required to learn how nature prescriptions may be put into place in a local context, according to researchers.
