Did you know that Doctors in Scotland can now prescribe nature?

Imagine your doctor prescribing you to Take a walk, 5 times day. I say heck yeah. This is a big major step in the right direction.
We now know there are many health benefits to engaging with nature. Kudos to the Scotland system that recognizes we need a total holistic approach.

Doctors in Shetland, Scotland have been authorized to prescribe nature to patients. It’s believed to be the first program of its kind seeking to reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and increase happiness for those with diabetes, improve mental illness, stress, heart disease, and more.

The actual approved and suggested list of nature prescriptions include some pretty quirky ideas such as: making a windsock from a hoop and material to “appreciate the speed of the wind” ( perhaps that’s a thing in Scotland sort of like flying a kite??). ; or it is suggested you make beach art from natural materials or “borrow a dog and take it for a walk”; Oh this sounds interesting, “touch the sea” and “make a bug hotel”; or you can “bury your face in the grass”. And this might be my favorite (sarcasm) “pick two different kinds of grass and really look at them”; If you are still with me stay a little longer….these are actual prescription suggestions. Well you get the idea. I prefer to keep things simple. Just spend time in Nature, Be in Nature. Slow down and really take it in. You can find nature anywhere. All on doctor’s orders.

There is evidence that supports the benefits of nature on mental and physical health. Did you know that 90 minutes spent outside in a wooded area will actually decrease activity in the part of your brain typically associated with depression. Spending time in nature reduces blood pressure, anxiety, and increases happiness.

That is one prescription I can rally behind. Warning Possible Side Effects: Calmness, Serenity, Peace, Love and Joy