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Articles

Writing Prescriptions to Play Outdoors – New York Times  By Perri Klass, M.D
In his 2005 book, “Last Child in the Woods,” Richard Louv wrote about what he called nature-deficit disorder, and cited about 60 scientific studies looking at the benefits of nature and the problems that can come from being too isolated from the natural world. 

Why Connecting with Nature Elevates Your Mental Health –Psychology Today by Douglas LaBier Ph.D.
From observations in psychotherapy we know that mental health and well-being become elevated when people experience some kind of engagement or connection with the larger world, outside of themselves. That is, when you extend yourself, your perceptions, beyond focusing primarily on your own self — your needs, worries, regrets or desires for the future.

Doctors in Scotland can now prescribe nature World Economic Forum by Evan Fleischer
Since October 5, doctors in Shetland, Scotland have been authorized to prescribe nature to their patients. It’s thought to be the first program of its kind in the U.K., and seeks to reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and increase happiness for those with diabetes, a mental illness, stress, heart disease, and more.

The Mental Health Benefits of going for a walk can last for 7 hours, according to pioneering study – Country Living by Emma-Louise Pritchard
We have long been aware of the positive effects spending time outdoors can have on our mental health and wellbeing, and now there is an eye-opening new study which has confirmed our beliefs and made that a fact.

Natural Medicine: More Doctors Prescribing Time Outdoors EcoWatch by Olivia Rosane
Birdwatch for long-tailed ducks. Search for shells. Sketch some snowdrops. These are some of the prescriptions you might receive if you go to a doctor in the Shetland Islands of Scotland and say that you are suffering from stress, heart disease, diabetes, mental health problems or other chronic conditions.

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