In 2025, the phrase “take a walk in the park” means more than just getting fresh air—it’s now part of a doctor’s prescription. Across the globe, physicians and mental health professionals are increasingly recommending nature prescriptions, urging patients to spend more time outdoors for better health.
This trend isn’t just a wellness fad—it’s a response to growing research showing that spending time in green spaces has a profound effect on our physical and mental well-being. In an age where screens dominate and stress is constant, the natural world offers a powerful and accessible form of healing.
So why are doctors sending people outside—and what exactly are nature prescriptions?
What Are Nature Prescriptions?
Nature prescriptions are simple recommendations or written instructions from healthcare providers encouraging patients to spend a specific amount of time outdoors, often in natural environments like parks, forests, gardens, or even beaches. These prescriptions can be as structured as “20 minutes of walking in a park, three times a week” or as open-ended as “spend more time in green spaces.”
While the idea has existed for years, in 2025, it’s becoming a formal part of healthcare programs in countries like the U.S., Canada, South Korea, and the U.K. Organizations and clinics are now integrating nature therapy into their treatment plans—particularly for those dealing with anxiety, depression, obesity, diabetes, and chronic stress.
The Science Behind Nature and Health
The surge in nature prescriptions is backed by solid science. Multiple studies have shown that spending time in natural settings can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and improve mood and sleep. Nature exposure also boosts immune function, thanks to phytoncides—antimicrobial compounds released by trees and plants.
One study published in Nature found that just two hours a week in nature significantly improved overall health and life satisfaction. Another revealed that forest bathing (a Japanese practice called shinrin-yoku) could reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Green environments also promote physical activity, which compounds the health benefits. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, or just strolling through a park, moving your body outdoors delivers both mental clarity and cardiovascular benefits.
Mental Wellness and Nature
In 2025, more people are recognizing the toll that constant connectivity and urban living have taken on mental health. Nature acts as a reset button for the brain. Time outside has been shown to:
- Decrease rumination (negative thought patterns)
- Improve focus and attention span
- Reduce feelings of loneliness
- Increase feelings of calm and contentment
For children and teenagers, outdoor play is linked to better emotional regulation and fewer behavioral problems. For adults, regular outdoor time can be as effective as some medications for managing mild depression and anxiety.
Nature as Preventive Medicine
Another reason doctors are prescribing time outdoors is because it supports preventive care. Spending time in nature can lower the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes. Instead of only reacting to illness, nature prescriptions are helping people build long-term resilience.
It’s also a sustainable solution. Unlike medication, nature is free, accessible (for many), and without side effects. In communities where healthcare access is limited, reconnecting with local green spaces can be an empowering part of a person’s wellness journey.
Making Nature More Accessible
One of the challenges of nature prescriptions is accessibility. Not everyone lives near a park or has the time to go on a hike. In response, cities are investing in urban greening, community gardens, and pocket parks. Schools are also creating outdoor classrooms and nature-based curriculums to give students more green time.
Healthcare systems are working with park organizations to help patients locate safe and nearby green spaces. Some even provide “park passes” to encourage access.
In 2025, some employers are also joining the movement, offering “green breaks” or subsidized outdoor activities as part of their employee wellness programs.
How to Incorporate Nature into Daily Life
Even without a formal prescription, you can benefit from spending more time outdoors. Here are a few ideas:
- Start your morning with a 10-minute walk outside
- Eat lunch in a nearby park or green space
- Schedule “no phone” nature time during weekends
- Garden or tend to balcony plants
- Take your workout outside—even yoga or stretching
- Bring meetings outdoors with walking chats or park benches
The key is consistency. Just like any wellness habit, the more time you dedicate to being in nature, the more benefits you’ll notice.
Nature is recognized as vital to human health, with doctors prescribing it in 2025 due to its powerful benefits. Spending time in nature can effectively boost well-being.