I recently learned about the concept of prescribing nature. Yes, you read that right! There are programs and physicians in Canada and the United States, and probably elsewhere, that are giving patients prescriptions for nature. As someone who deeply appreciates and feels rejuvenated by nature, this idea immediately resonated with me.
But let's pause for a moment and reflect – how about you? Do you consciously take in a regular dose of nature? Or do you find yourself caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, sometimes forgetting to step outside and soak in the natural beauty around us?
As we head into spring weather, here are a few ideas to consider incorporating into your routine.
- Lay in the grass and look at the sky: Take a moment to lay down outdoors, feel the grass beneath you, and gaze up at the vast expanse of the sky above.
- Tune into each of your senses: Sit outside and consciously tune into each of your senses – what do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel around you?
- Go for a walk: Whether it's a leisurely stroll through a park or a hike along a nature trail, getting moving outdoors can work wonders for your mind and body.
- Try water activities: Consider kayaking, canoeing, or simply immersing yourself in water – whether it's a lake, river, or ocean, there's something incredibly calming about being near water.
- Practice mindfulness: Close your eyes and just listen to the sounds of nature around you – the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, or the gentle flow of a stream.
- Gardening: Get your hands dirty and spend some time gardening – there's something therapeutic about connecting with the earth and watching plants grow.
- Notice a color in nature: Pick a specific color to focus on throughout the weekend and observe how often and where you encounter it in nature.
So go ahead, prescribe some nature for yourself and let the healing power of the great outdoors work its magic on you.
If you're interested in delving deeper into the topic, here are some resources to explore:
- U.S. Doctors are Prescribing Nature in 35 States
- A Prescription for Nature
- Nature Prescriptions for Health: A Review of Evidence and Research Opportunities
