GPs are now ‘prescribing’ time in nature. Is it likely to improve your health?

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The advice might be to spend 20 minutes a day noticing the natural world – whether that’s walking through a park, listening to birds or wildlife gardening.

Imagine visiting your GP for your physical or mental health and leaving with a prescription to spend more time outdoors.

This is becoming a reality in Australia, with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners recently endorsing resources to help doctors recommend spending time in nature.

The advice includes spending 20 minutes a day noticing the natural world – whether that’s walking through a park, listening to birds or wildlife gardening.

Spending time in nature has recognised health benefits. But does a doctor’s recommendation actually mean people are more likely to experience those benefits?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long recognised the importance of connection to Country for health and wellbeing. This connection encompasses relationships with land, waters, culture, community and identity.

Over recent decades, researchers have investigated whether spending time in nature can benefit our physical and mental health. But the strength of evidence varies depending on the activity and health outcome being measured.

A recent review assessed the evidence for nature prescribing on mental health. The reviewers examined 47 trials with almost 3,800 participants, including nature walks, outdoor exercise and gardening. Of these, 17 found significant improvements in mental health compared with control groups, particularly for depression, anxiety and stress.

A further 15 studies found some benefits, although these were less consistent. The researchers concluded that nature-based activities show promise for improving mental health, but more rigorous studies are needed to understand their longer-term benefits.

There may also be benefits for physical health. A review of 22 studies examining forest-based activities found improvements in blood pressure, heart rate variability and cortisol, a hormone associated with stress.

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