12 Nature Prescriptions Doctors Are Now Writing—and How They Help

3. Mental health benefits backed by research

Multiple studies link nature exposure to measurable improvements in mood, reduced stress, and better attention. Research compiled by public health outlets and psychology journals shows that walking in green spaces, even briefly, can lower cortisol, ease anxious feelings, and improve concentration. These effects show up across age groups and can help with clinical anxiety and mild-to-moderate depression when used alongside other treatments. Mechanisms include both physiological calming—slower heart rate and reduced stress hormones—and psychological shifts such as attention restoration, which gives the brain a break from repetitive worrying. Guided activities, like structured walks with a facilitator, often yield stronger outcomes because they combine nature exposure with social support and intentional practice. Clinicians use these findings to recommend specific doses of nature time—simple guidelines aimed at consistent exposure rather than one-off outings. While the research is evolving, the accumulated evidence provides a comfortable level of confidence for clinicians who want nature to be part of a broader mental health strategy.

4. Physical health advantages and chronic disease links

Time outdoors isn't only about mood. Studies connect nature exposure to physical markers such as lower blood pressure, improved heart-rate variability, and increased incidental physical activity. Regular walking in parks contributes to cardiovascular fitness and helps manage weight and blood sugar when combined with other lifestyle measures. Community walking programs and park-based activities also encourage regular movement for people who might otherwise be sedentary. That gentle, repeatable activity can reduce risks associated with chronic conditions. Public health reviews highlight nature-based interventions as low-risk ways to support preventive care and rehabilitation. Of course, a nature prescription is not a substitute for medical treatment when one is needed, but it can be a complementary strategy that reduces reliance on more intensive interventions over time. Clinicians who prescribe outdoor activity typically frame it as one component of a care plan that includes medication, therapy, or rehabilitation as appropriate, ensuring patients get a balanced and evidence-informed approach.