Looking for a cure? What if I told you your solution might lie amongst the trees and sun. In a world of instant relief, pills and prescribed medication, we’ve neglected the natural ways we can improve our health. For instance, how often do you get outside and engage in physical activity these days? Given how easy it can be to get relief from taking pills and lying in bed on our phones, it might not be that often. It’s such a shame because we forget the ways we medicate ourselves and that the things we consume (including digital content) can easily influence the nourishment of our bodies and minds.
I believe we don’t spend nearly as much time outside as we should. It has become so common that doctors in various parts of the world have started writing prescriptions for “outdoor time” to their patients. Now, these prescriptions aren’t as strict or specific as most normal prescriptions are, but they can motivate patients to engage in better lifestyle habits, like getting outside more often, which naturally improves their health. Sometimes we need to be encouraged to participate in activities that are good for us. No one needs a scientific study to know that moving our bodies and getting some sun are generally good ideas. Nevertheless, according to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, sun exposure in moderation boosts our body’s vitamin D supply, which is essential for our health.
Outdoor time is being prescribed because many don’t understand how vital it truly is. Doctors say a prescription encourages people to take their advice seriously, but it also reinforces the idea that we need doctors to tell us to take care of our most basic needs. Sure, there’s always a quick fix, but how long do those typically last? We forget that maintaining health is all about consistency and discipline.
Nowadays, everything feels like a chore, even maintaining our physical and mental health, all because we’ve forgotten the simplicity of it. The only real challenge lies in taking the first step to go outside. I firmly believe we need to detach ourselves from the medications that we’re used to and engage in activities that can have longer-lasting, positive effects. It’s noticeable that since 2020, people have spent an hour less per day outside, becoming less connected to nature. For this reason, medical prescriptions could help people strengthen their connection with nature. This act of dedicating time to nature and physical activity can help people develop consistency and discipline, eventually transforming their time in nature into a habit and a non-negotiable part of daily life.
Sometimes we all need a little push in order to start healthy habits. I honestly believe it’s essential that we spend time in nature because being out in the sun positively affects our mood, especially our serotonin levels, a key mood-regulating neurotransmitter. Nature has a way of being a natural remedy for daily emotions we struggle with, such as sadness, overstimulation, anxiety and restlessness. According toPark Rx, an organization that provides doctors with guidance and resources to prescribe outdoor time, spending time outside has the potential to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure and boost immunity. It makes sense that, as natural creatures, we are wired to bask in nature.
As someone who already enjoys nature, a prescription to spend more time outside would only benefit me. I truly believe that reconnecting with nature also helps us reconnect with ourselves because it forces us to shift our mood and attention to the world around us instead of the thoughts in our head. Spending time indoors can feel restricting and suffocating. We truly neglect the beauty in observing seasonal changes and basking in the nature around us. Personally, I’ve noticed a huge change in my mood and overall mental health when I actively make time for walks, engage in physical activity and observe the world around me. As students, our attention is continuously consumed by academic responsibilities, so taking walks can be an especially refreshing and motivating way to step back from the pressures of academic demands and constant productivity. Taking care of our physical and mental health is just as important as anything else, reminding us that spending time outside is a vital form of rest and a good way to restore our energy.
Mariam Ahmed, FCRH ’26, is a psychology from Yonkers, New York.
