Prescribing outdoor activities can improve people’s mental well-being, as demonstrated by a study involving more than 8,300 participants who reported a marked decrease in their discomfort, feeling calmer and happier
In England, an innovative project showed that the prescription of outdoor activitiessuch as gardening, farming and swimming in natural environments, can significantly improve people’s mental well-beingreducing anxiety and increasing happiness.
So-called “ecological social prescribing” allows doctors to refer patients with mental health problems to activities in contact with naturepromoting a connection with the surrounding environment that has been shown to be beneficial for psychological well-being.
This initiative, led by the University of Exeter with the collaboration of other universities and the support of the British government, involved more than 8,300 participants. The project gave them the opportunity to take part in seven scattered pilot programs for England, all focused on nature activities.
Lasting benefits, but above all accessible to anyone
Participants, with lower than average levels of anxiety and life satisfaction, reported a clear reduction in their discomfort after completing the activities, feeling calmer and happier. According to the researchers, this approach represents a valid alternative to conventional therapeutic methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, both in terms of costs and effectiveness.
The average investment per participant, of around £507, made social prescribing green an accessible intervention for mental health managementwith a positive impact also on groups from difficult socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic minorities, and young people under 18.
Among the supporters of the project is Dr Marion Steiner, a GP from Bristol, who highlights how the connection with nature has a lasting effect on mental and physical healthoffering a well-being resource that overcomes generations of psychological challenges. However, Steiner recognizes that social and cultural barriers often limit access to these benefits, necessitating greater uptake of green prescribing.
Professor Ruth Garside, who coordinated the research, said further investment was essential to enable the expansion of this approach. Continued commitment by governments and institutions can ensure that more and more people, regardless of social background, can benefit from connection with nature.
The project also has the potential to reduce medical care costs for the healthcare system English, as demonstrated by the positive influence on the health conditions of the participants, providing an effective alternative to drugs and therapies for some ailments.
Ecological social prescription therefore represents an innovative resource that integrates nature and well-being, with concrete and accessible effects to improve the quality of life. There really is no better medicine than spending time outdoors!
