The Healing Power of Nature: Evidence from 28 Studies

A suite of 28 studies, including a meta-analysis published in The Lancet, shows that spending time in nature, particularly around tree cover, improves mental and physical health. Nature prescriptions, similar to medical prescriptions, are emerging as a supplement to standard care, with growing public interest in Australia. The studies demonstrate that nature prescriptions can benefit daily step counts, depression and anxiety scores, and blood pressure. The evidence supports the use of nature prescriptions to restore and improve physical and mental health, but further research is needed to implement them in a sustained way for those who currently spend little time in nature.