Modern living means we spend less time in nature than we should. We work in offices, spend hours a day on screens and live in urban environments with bricks instead of screens. Stacks of studies prove the benefits of spending time in nature, so the UK government put it to the test to see if prescribing nature can be as good, or better, than medication to boost health. And the results are in.
The £5.77m governmental-funded project by researchers at the University of Exeter, has shown that expanding access to Green Social Prescribing can substantially improve wellbeing and improve mental health.
What is ‘Green Social Prescribing”?
Green social prescribing is a growing movement that involves doctors and health practitioners referring people to nature-based activities as a way to improve mental and physical health. It’s been proven spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can provide real mental health benefits—without the side effects of medication. The activities can include anything from nature walks and community gardening to tree planting and even wild swimming.
What did the study find?
The government-funded study in England spanned 3 years and involved over 8,000 participants who took part in green prescribing schemes. These projects ran across seven regions, including Humberside, South Yorkshire, and Manchester, with GPs, mental health professionals, and social workers referring people to take part. The results were a resounding success.
Participants experienced a significant boost in happiness, with their scores jumping from an average of 5.3 out of 10 to 7.5 out of 10 Their feelings that life was worthwhile also soared, rising from 4.7 to 6.8. Anxiety levels dropped, with scores falling from 4.8 to 3.4. One participant of the study even said, “It works better than medication for me”. These findings reveal how effective green social prescribing can be in improving mental health.
The project also found the cost of a green prescription averaged about £500, making it much more cost-effective than cognitive behavioural therapy which is nearly £1,000 for 10 sessions.
The Benefits of Nature-Based Prescriptions
The study highlights a range of benefits associated with nature-based activities:
- Improved Mental Health: Spending time in nature helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Many participants reported feeling happier, calmer, and more at peace after engaging in activities like walking or gardening.
- Cost-Effective: Green prescriptions cost around £500 per person, making them more affordable than traditional treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which can cost double that amount. This makes it a valuable option for the NHS, which is already under strain.
- Social and Community Connection: Engaging in group activities in nature not only improves individual wellbeing but also fosters a sense of community. Participants often felt a greater sense of belonging and accomplishment.
- Physical Health Benefits: In addition to mental health improvements, spending time outdoors has been linked to better physical health, including lower risks of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
A Lifelong Resource That’s Accessible to All
Dr Marion Steiner, a GP involved in the project, told The Guardian, “Connecting with nature is a lifelong resource with proven benefits for mental and physical health.” For many, this natural therapy works as well as—if not better than—traditional medication. One participant even said, “It works better than medication for me.”
However, there are still barriers that prevent many from accessing nature in this way. Personal, social, and geographical obstacles can limit people’s ability to engage with green prescribing. That’s why expanding these schemes is crucial so more people can access nature in their everyday lives.
How You Can Benefit from Green Prescribing
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, consider talking to your GP about green social prescribing. It’s an accessible and cost-effective option that can make a real difference. Even if you're not part of an official scheme, simply spending more time outdoors—even if it's walking in your local park —can have a positive impact on your mood and wellbeing.
Key Takeaways:
- Green social prescribing involves referring people to nature-based activities to improve mental health.
- A government study in the UK showed significant improvements in happiness and anxiety levels for over 8,000 participants.
- Nature-based activities are cost-effective, making them a valuable option for the NHS.
- Anyone can benefit from spending more time outdoors, making green prescribing an easy, accessible solution for many.
So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or anxious, remember that a walk in the park might just be what the doctor ordered.
