Nature prescriptions – i.e. a doctor’s recommendation to spend more time outdoors – improve both the physical and mental health of patients, according to a new study.
- Nature prescriptions consist of recommending that a patient spend more time outdoors. This helps to fight against a sedentary lifestyle as well as the harmful effects of air pollution, heat waves or even chronic stress.
- An analysis of 28 studies conducted on the subject shows that being in contact with nature reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, depression and even hypertension.
- Further research is needed to determine the most effective modalities of nature prescription.
United Kingdom, Canada, Australia… several countries have set up programs to test natural prescriptions. The participating doctors are not proposing a new drug or a new procedure: they are recommending that their patients spend more time outdoors to treat a disorder.
A team from the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) reviewed 28 international studies on the effects of these devices. Conclusion: do not hesitate to follow the instructions of your doctor if he told you to go for a walk in the forest or in a park. It does improve health.
Stress, depression, heart: contact with nature improves health
The work of the Australian researchers, published today in The Lancet Planetary Health, found that nature prescriptions have benefits for both physical and mental health. Patients had reduced blood pressure as well as lower depression and anxiety scores. In addition, they had a higher number of daily steps, an important element in the fight against a sedentary lifestyle.
Regular walks in the forest, in parks, by the sea (or any other non-urban place) reduce the harmful effects of air pollution, heat waves or even chronic stress. This habit also promotes the occurrence of healthy behaviors such as physical activity or socializing. “It can help prevent problems such as loneliness, depression and cardiovascular disease”add the authors in their communicated.
“This study builds on a long-term research program that we are conducting, where we are showing that contact with nature – and trees in particular – is really good for supporting mental and physical health throughout our lives. “explained Professor Xiaoqi Feng who led the work.
Prescription by nature: the best modalities must be found
The expert’s previous research found that living near certain types of green spaces can improve health. For example, in a study of almost 47,000 adults in New South Wales (NSW), those who lived in areas with 30% or more tree space reported better overall health and reduced psychological distress.
“But even if you have a high-quality green space like a park nearby, that doesn’t mean everyone will visit and enjoy it”recognized Professor Feng.
For him, additional research is needed to determine how prescriptions relating to nature could be implemented: the duration of the prescription, the modalities, the beneficiaries, the caregivers who can issue it, accessibility…
“We don’t want nature prescriptions to be a luxury item for the wealthy who already have access to beaches and plenty of high-quality green space.said the scientist. We want those benefits for everyone.”