Improving your health with nature

What are the benefits of getting out in nature?

Studies have shown that spending time in nature is linked to improvements in both physical and mental health, for example:

  • reduced blood pressure, reduced stress levels and associated symptoms, lower levels of cardiovascular and respiratory problems, and reduced risk of diabetes, obesity, and COVID-19
  • increased wellbeing, including subjective wellbeing, reduced social isolation, happiness, and resilience wellbeing
  • a decrease in PTSD symptoms and ADHD - when offered alongside therapeutic and mindfulness activities

Social prescribing interventions based on nature can have a positive effect on happiness and well-being.

According to the National Academy for Social Prescribing, by decreasing social isolation and fostering a connection to nature, these interventions can make a significant impact. This is especially true for individuals at risk of health inequalities.

There is a strong and growing evidence that nature based social prescribing plays and important role in improving mental and physical health and reducing loneliness - NHS England

Page last updated: 2 August 2024

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