Canada is rich in nature experiences. There are snow-capped mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, mist-covered coniferous forests, dizzying waterfalls and beautiful shores. And now doctors in the North American country can prescribe “stays in nature” on prescription to their patients. The recipe includes an annual card for the country’s national parks. It costs about 530 kroner for an adult normally. It may seem strange, because we are used to getting medicine on prescription, but nature can actually contribute to minor mental symptoms related to depression, stress and anxiety. A new research study from the University of Michigan shows that you only need to stay in nature for 20 minutes three times a week to experience a marked decrease in stress symptoms. – More people have started to take nature seriously, because it has been documented again and again, that we get fewer stress hormones and our nervous systems get better when we go for a walk in the woods or sit by the water, says psychologist Trine Karsholt, who uses of nature during their therapy classes. She also explains that the reason for dissatisfaction is largely because we have been so cut off from nature. Everyday life is filled with tasks and outside pressure. In nature you can just be easier, and we really need that. We have a society where will is constantly performing, and where we take in far too many sensory impressions that are unhealthy for our mental health, because it activates our combat-flight system. When we stay in nature, it has the opposite effect. The sensory impressions we get here make us feel safe and require much less processing. Nature is a helping hand Nature on prescription comes just a week after a new study showed that more Canadians were anxious about climate change. Last year there was a heat wave in Canada. The heat wave made 60 percent of those surveyed, either very or somewhat more concerned about climate change. Prescription nature was one of the solutions to the rising anxiety, because it alleviates anxiety symptoms and inspires action. Beyond that, there is a positive self-reinforcing circle: When we feel connected to nature, we take better care of it. There are thus many benefits to staying in nature, and a prescription can help get patients with mental health problems out into the woods or out to the water. Studies show that we are more likely to do something if it is written down by GPs than if they only encourage it orally. – I definitely think that more people will seek out nature if they got it on prescription. It can be difficult if you are affected by stress or depression to seek help, and then it is easier to see if your doctor writes down that you are going out into nature, says Trine Karsholt. She explains that this does not mean that there is no longer a need for, for example, psychologists. In order for being in nature to have the best effect, it is important that it is structured and, if you feel very bad, also assisted. But if nature can remove some of the congestion that is in psychiatry, it would be a great help. – Everyone should seek out nature more. It is also preventive.
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Canada prescribes national parks
