A nature prescription (or nature Rx) is the practice of promoting time in natural environments as a prescription for improved health and well-being.
A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that a nature Rx can have big physical and mental benefits, including:
Reduced stress and improved mood
Better sleep
Increased mindfulness
Enhanced cognitive function
Lowered blood pressure and better heart health
Improved focus and concentration
Studies also note social benefits since outdoors activities often encourage social interactions, such as hiking with a group, sharing a love of plants with like-minded people or joining a community garden co-op.
Similarly, many people experience spiritual benefits from being in nature. It provides time for self-reflection, connection with the world around you, a deepened sense of gratitude and appreciation of something greater than yourself.
How to fill your prescription
When you think about nature time, you might think about getting out to the woods, rivers, mountains or lakes. But there are other ways as well. Simply connecting with the natural world — in its many forms and wherever you are — has restorative benefits. You can:
Spend time with critters. Pets or other animals have a close connection to nature, and being near them can have the same health effects as being outside, like lower blood pressure. This can include snuggling with your pup, watching birds at your feeder, taking a trip to the zoo or even watching a nature documentary.
Bask in growing things. Plants of all different forms and their intricate relationships with the natural world can have a healing effect. Whether you saunter through a garden center, wander in your blueberry patch or simply water your houseplants, interacting with plants can deepen your connection with nature.
Bring nature inside. You don’t have to go outside to enjoy the benefits of nature. Listen to the sound of running water with a tabletop fountain. Or, be mesmerized by the calming effects of fish swimming in a tank. You can even feel like you’re outdoors by simply opening the curtains and windows and filling your senses with the sights, sounds and smells of the great outdoors.
The bigger picture
Filling your nature Rx is just one part of a growing movement toward taking charge of your own well-being through healthy lifestyle choices. Research shows many benefits, including:
Getting more exercise
Eating well
Committing to getting a good night’s sleep
Managing stress
Avoiding unhealthy substances
Building strong social relationships
Implementing these steps can be done on your own or with the help of professionals. Whatever you decide, MNPS offers benefits that can help. Resources include:
GuidanceResources EAP – Start here for information about sleeping well, exercising, substance use, healthy eating and social relationships.
Mental Health Resource Guide – Find information about the mental health benefits available to you.
Fitness center - Start your fitness journey at the MNPS Employee Wellness Center. Take advantage of the walking track, exercise equipment and fitness classes, or work one-on-one with a fitness associate.
Foodsmart - Work with a registered dietitian to accomplish your eating goals.
Start now!
Once you’ve committed to making healthy lifestyle choices — including adding time in nature to your health journey — you might be more than happy to “take your medicine.”
Schedule a quick appointment with Yolonda Powell, your whole person care navigator, or call 615-421-1711, to get your personalized nature Rx.
Sources: Cornell University; The Journal for Nurse Practitioners; University of Connecticut