11 Apr ‘Nature prescriptions’ can improve physical and mental health: study
What’s the most effective treatment for depression and mental ill-health?
Well, obviously that will vary from person to person just as what creates happiness and wellbeing varies from person to person.
But, for too long, our focus (I believe) has been way too narrow.
For far too long too much emphasis has been placed on medications and not nearly enough on other approaches.
I’m not suggesting medications might not have a role to play for some in some cases; but I am suggesting that if we look at the research and consider interventions more broadly we’ll very likely find that we can help many more people overcome mental ill-health and find mental health and happiness without drugs and without many of the problems (side-effects) that come with them …
via UNSW Newsroom by MADDIE MASSY-WESTROPP
Imagine that your doctor prescribes you a new treatment. It’s pleasant and enjoyable, and you can have as much as you want. Potential side effects include spontaneous euphoria and being in a good mood. Not to mention, it’s free and available all around you.
It’s not a drug or some other medical procedure that your doctor has recommended. Instead, it is a ‘nature prescription’ – a recommendation to spend time in nature.
Researchers from UNSW Sydney assessed international evidence for nature prescriptions and their ability to improve health. They analysed 28 studies that tested nature prescriptions in real-world patients. This research was led by Professor Xiaoqi Feng from UNSW Medicine & Health and Professor Thomas Astell-Burt from the University of Wollongong, who are the Co-Directors of the Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab).
Read more: Leafier communities, healthier hearts: study
The systematic review and meta-analysis, published today in The Lancet Planetary Health, found that nature prescriptions provided both physical and mental health benefits. Patients had reduced blood pressure, as well as lower depression and anxiety scores – and they had a higher daily step count.
“The evidence shows that nature prescriptions can help to restore and build capacities for better physical and mental health. What we need now is to work out how to make nature prescriptions happen in a sustained way for those people with high potential to benefit, but who currently spend little time in nature,” said Prof. Feng…
… keep reading the full & original article HERE
And for another article on a similar topic … click HERE