Doctors Write Nature Prescriptions to Boost Mental Health

Health care providers are increasingly prescribing time outdoors as a remedy for stress and anxiety. This innovative approach encourages patients to engage with nature, recognizing its potential benefits for mental well-being. The movement, which has gained traction in light of recent social and political challenges, aims to combat the pervasive effects of daily stressors by promoting outdoor activities.

The concept of nature prescriptions is not new, but it has been formalized in recent years. According to Dr. Suzanne Hackenmiller, a gynecologist based in Waterloo, Iowa, issuing these prescriptions helps patients take the idea of spending time outdoors seriously. “When I bring it up, it is almost like granting permission to do something they may see as frivolous when things seem so otherwise serious and stressful,” she stated. Hackenmiller began this practice after finding solace in nature following her husband’s death.

Scientific Backing for Nature’s Benefits

Numerous studies underscore the health advantages of spending time outdoors. Research indicates that exposure to natural environments can lower blood pressure, decrease stress hormones, and enhance immunity. Dr. Brent Bauer, who directs the complementary and integrative medicine program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, notes, “Study after study says we’re wired to be out in nature.” This perspective is supported by scientific evidence rather than mere anecdote.

The formalization of nature prescriptions began approximately a decade ago. Dr. Robert Zarr, who also serves as a nature guide, founded an organization called Park Rx America around 2016. This initiative provides protocols for health care providers to prescribe outdoor activities, discussing with patients their preferences for activities like walking, sitting under a tree, or simply observing nature. Since its inception, nearly 2,000 providers across the United States and several other countries, including Australia, Brazil, and Spain, have registered with Park Rx America, issuing over 7,000 nature prescriptions since 2019.

A Growing Movement

The effectiveness of nature prescriptions remains an area of ongoing research. A 2020 study conducted by the U.S. Forest Service, the University of Pennsylvania, and North Carolina State University concluded that further evaluation is needed to assess the long-term health outcomes associated with these prescriptions. Nevertheless, the movement continues to evolve.

At William & Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia, students issue nature prescriptions to their peers, allowing them to identify outdoor activities that suit their interests and schedules. In 2025, students issued an average of 22 online prescriptions per month, a notable increase from 12 per month in 2020. Kelsey Wakiyama, a senior at the college, recounted how a nature prescription helped her discover hiking trails near campus after relocating from Villanova, Pennsylvania.

While the practicalities of following through on these prescriptions can be challenging, the initiative has drawn interest from individuals seeking relief from the stresses of modern life. Dr. Bauer, who frequently prescribes nature to business leaders, commented, “I recommend a lot of things to a lot of patients. When I get a prescription, someone hands me a piece of paper and says you must take this medication… I’m a lot more likely to activate that.”

In times of uncertainty, such as ongoing global conflicts and political strife, many health care providers like Hackenmiller advocate for the necessity of stepping away from media distractions and immersing oneself in nature. “I think time in nature often resonates with people as something they have found solace in and have gravitated to in other times in their life,” she said.

As this movement continues to gain momentum, the focus remains on encouraging individuals to recognize and harness the therapeutic potential of nature. Whether through formal prescriptions or personal initiatives, the message is clear: spending time outdoors can be a simple yet effective way to enhance mental wellness.