12 Nature Prescriptions Doctors Are Now Writing—and How They Help
Doctors and health teams are increasingly doing something simple but powerful: writing prescriptions that send people outside. These prescriptions can be as straightforward as a referral to a community garden, a guided forest walk, or a weekly park-based activity. The idea is to treat time in nature as a legitimate, low-risk complement to other forms of care. Research and on-the-ground programs now back that approach, and adoption has accelerated since the pandemic drove home just how central outdoor spaces are to well-being. You don't need to be an athlete or a nature expert to benefit—many programs focus on gentle, sensory activities and social connection that fit into ordinary lives. This post walks through the evidence, real program models from places like Sweden and Philadelphia, economic arguments, and practical steps both clinicians and patients can take. Read on to understand what a nature prescription looks like, why clinicians are writing them, and how you or a loved one could try one safely. We'll also point you to examples and tips so you can move from curiosity to a small, steady habit that supports mood, movement, and community.
1. What a "nature prescription" actually looks like
A nature prescription is a written or formal recommendation from a health professional that encourages a patient to spend time in specified outdoor activities. Instead of simply telling someone to "get outside more," a clinician might provide a printed referral with details—recommended frequency, suggested local groups, safety notes, and follow-up plans. This structure helps patients treat time outdoors like any other therapeutic habit. For example, a prescription could recommend three 30-minute guided park walks per week, or joining a therapeutic gardening group once a week for two months. The written form reduces ambiguity and signals clinical support, which increases follow-through for many people. In some programs, clinicians use a standardized template that includes an activity goal and contact info for community partners. That added clarity matters for patients who need concrete next steps. Clinicians also tailor prescriptions to mobility, transportation, and sensory needs so the plan is realistic and safe. When paired with brief counseling on what to expect, a nature prescription can be a steady, manageable part of a patient’s care plan.
2. How widespread this practice already is
Nature prescriptions are not a niche experiment anymore. Organizations tracking the trend report thousands of clinicians adopting these approaches. Nature Canada notes that more than 10,000 healthcare providers have begun incorporating green prescriptions into their care conversations and referrals. Adoption varies by region. The UK has well-developed social prescribing networks, Sweden has national campaigns linking nature to health, and many community programs have popped up across the U.S. Clinicians who write these prescriptions include primary care doctors, nurse practitioners, and mental health professionals who want low-risk, preventive options for mood and stress concerns. The pandemic helped accelerate uptake as providers and patients noticed the mental and physical benefits of safe outdoor time. That said, adoption rates differ between urban and rural areas because program infrastructure and green space access vary. Where organized community partners and referral directories exist, clinicians are more likely to prescribe. Overall, the growing number of providers signals a shift: nature is moving from lifestyle advice to a supported therapeutic option in mainstream practice.
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.
5. Forest bathing and immersive nature therapies
Forest bathing—shinrin-yoku in Japan—is a guided, sensory-focused immersion in a forest setting. Unlike brisk exercise, it emphasizes slow movement, mindful attention to sight, sound, smell, and touch, and guided breathing. Research indicates that this practice can reduce markers of stress and enhance feelings of calm. Programs that train guides offer structured sessions designed to make deep nature contact accessible, even for those who feel intimidated by the outdoors. Forest-based sessions often pair nature exposure with gentle mindfulness prompts and group sharing, which can deepen emotional benefits. Clinics and community groups have adapted the method for local landscapes—from urban tree groves to seaside preserves—making the approach flexible. For patients who struggle with noisy clinical settings or talk-based therapy, forest bathing provides an alternative route to regulation and reflection. It’s important to choose a guide or program with safety protocols and accessibility options, so the experience is supportive rather than overwhelming.
6. Sweden’s national approach — "prescribing" travel and nature
Sweden has taken a notably broad approach by promoting nature and cultural experiences as part of health recommendations. A national campaign has packaged five nature activities and several Swedish traditions—like sauna visits and seaside time—into a model clinicians can recommend. The initiative pairs tourism insight with medical input to create clear activities that promote relaxation, social connection, and physical activity. The Swedish model is distinctive because it frames nature-based care as an integrated public health and lifestyle offering, not just a counseling tool. Visit Sweden and collaborating health experts promoted accessible, nature-focused experiences as legitimate supports for stress and anxiety. While the model includes travel and cultural elements, its core message is practical: structured time in nature and time-honored restorative habits can be clinically useful. Other countries are watching as Sweden shows how a national campaign can normalize nature in routine care and link health advice to accessible local activities.
7. Social prescribing and community integration
Social prescribing connects patients to community resources—often nature-based—to address social and mental health needs. Rather than offering only clinical treatments, clinics refer patients to local walking groups, gardening projects, or conservation volunteering. That model recognizes how isolation and lack of meaningful activities contribute to poor health. Community organizations provide the local infrastructure needed for nature prescriptions to work: trained volunteers, accessible sites, and safe programming. Social prescribing also helps match people with group activities that suit their needs and avoid triggering experiences. For instance, programs working with trauma survivors prioritize gentle pacing and skilled facilitation. When done well, social prescribing builds connection, fosters routine, and creates sustainable opportunities to maintain activity. Health systems that invest in directories and link workers see higher uptake because patients receive support to overcome practical barriers like transport, mobility, and confidence.
8. Nature-based care for trauma and PTSD
Nature-based programs are increasingly used as part of trauma recovery strategies. In Philadelphia, organizations have paired hiking, gardening, and outdoor healing circles with trauma-informed practices for survivors of violence. Practitioners emphasize sensory engagement—listening for birds, noticing textures, or grounding through breath—to help re-regulate the nervous system after traumatic events. Survivors report that nature can calm hypervigilance and create a safer context for processing difficult emotions. Programs tailor activities to avoid re-traumatization by allowing people control over participation and by providing trained facilitators who can hold emotional safety. While nature work is not a universal substitute for trauma-focused therapy, it can reduce avoidance, enhance social support, and offer experiential ways to build resilience. Community-driven programs often combine practical skills with opportunities to share stories in ways that feel less invasive than clinical settings, making healing more inviting for some people.
9. Cost-effectiveness and economic arguments
Evidence suggests nature-based programs can be very cost-effective. A study of community health walks in Glasgow estimated a social return of about eight pounds for every one pound invested, largely by preventing costly downstream healthcare use. Nature-based prescriptions tend to be low-cost to run—using public parks, volunteer leaders, and existing community groups—yet they can produce measurable health benefits that reduce demand for higher-cost services. That economic logic makes green prescriptions attractive to public health planners and payers interested in prevention. Still, quantifying returns is complex because benefits include mental well-being, social connection, and small gains in physical health that add up over time. Robust evaluation and standard metrics would help scale funding models. Even so, early economic data supports the idea that modest investments in green programming can yield meaningful returns for communities and health systems.
10. How clinicians actually write and refer these prescriptions
Clinicians who prescribe nature often use simple tools: a one-page form, a checklist, and a short referral script. The form typically lists the activity, recommended frequency (for example, two 30-minute walks per week), and local partner contacts. Doctors brief patients on safety (appropriate footwear, hydration, and weather planning) and set a follow-up to discuss progress. Some clinics maintain curated directories of vetted community partners—walking groups, therapeutic gardens, and trained forest therapy guides—to ease referrals. Electronic health records can include a referral note so other members of the care team know the plan. For patients with mobility or access barriers, clinicians adapt recommendations—suggesting balcony time, window gardening, or shorter, nearby circuits. Training modules and service directories make it easier for clinicians to feel confident recommending nature, and link workers or social prescribers often manage the logistics so patients don’t have to arrange everything themselves.
11. Barriers to wider adoption and how they're being addressed
Barriers include limited clinician time, inconsistent terminology, lack of local referral infrastructure, and questions about insurance coverage. Measuring outcomes consistently is also a challenge—nature’s benefits are broad and individualized, which makes standardization hard. Addressing these gaps means building service directories, training health staff in referral practices, and creating simple outcome measures that capture mood, activity, and social connection. Some regions invest in link workers—people who bridge clinic and community—while others embed short training on green prescriptions into continuing medical education. Research teams are working to refine measurement approaches so funders can see the return on investment. Over time, integrating nature prescriptions into clinical workflows, building partnerships with community organizations, and collecting consistent outcome data will make wider adoption feasible and sustainable.
12. How to use a nature prescription — practical tips for patients
If your clinician offers a nature prescription, think of it as a small, structured plan rather than a vague suggestion. Start with clear, achievable goals—short walks, a weekly gardening session, or joining a gentle guided group. Ask for details: duration, frequency, and local contacts. If mobility or transport is a concern, request adapted options like nearby green spaces, raised beds for gardening, or seated nature activities. Bring a friend or family member if social support helps. Track simple indicators—mood before and after, sleep changes, or how often you went—to share at follow-up visits. If you don't have a prescriber yet, you can still create a personal "prescription": set specific times, pick a location, and commit to a gentle dose each week. Community centers, parks departments, and local health services often list nature-based groups. Finally, prioritize safety: check weather, dress for comfort, and let someone know where you'll be if you go alone. Tiny, consistent steps often lead to meaningful gains.
Where green healing fits in your life and the health system
Nature prescriptions are not a cure-all, but they are a practical, evidence-supported tool clinicians increasingly use alongside other treatments. They work because they are low-risk, often low-cost, and because nature supports many aspects of health at once—movement, stress relief, and social connection. For individuals, the value comes from making outdoor time intentional and supported, not from occasional visits. For health systems, the promise lies in prevention and community partnership that can reduce pressure on clinical services over time. If you're curious, ask your clinician about whether a green prescription might fit your care plan. If you're a clinician, consider starting small: a template form, a vetted local partner, and a quick follow-up check-in. Communities that build directories and train link workers make it easier for patients to keep the habit going. At the heart of this trend is a gentle idea: regular, supported contact with the natural world can help people feel steadier, more connected, and a little more at ease in their bodies. That steady benefit is exactly the kind of practical, sustainable care HealthPrep champions.