When your mother sent you to the backyard until dinner, she was onto something valuable. Being outdoors—in natural settings—brings a unique sense of well-being (while also keeping children occupied). Recent studies show that spending time in nature is indeed beneficial for adults as well.
Parks Pass Prescription
A new initiative between Parks Canada and PaRx (A Prescription for Nature program) allows health care professionals across Canada to prescribe Parks Canada Discovery Passes—essentially a dose of nature’s healing power.
With over 1,000 registered healthcare providers authorized to prescribe these passes, an increasing number of individuals can benefit. The program encourages practitioners to focus on those who stand to gain the most, particularly residents near national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas.
Understanding PaRx
Inspired by grassroots initiatives in the United States, Canada launched its first national nature-prescription program, PaRx, in 2020. The program began in British Columbia with the aim of enhancing accessibility to natural spaces, and by 2021, it had expanded into Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
The program recommends spending a minimum of two hours each week outdoors (with sessions lasting at least 20 minutes) to gain a range of health benefits. There’s no need to time your outings meticulously; according to PaRx, you’ll recognize the benefits of nature when you begin to feel positively impacted, whether you’re enjoying a lunch picnic in an urban park or cycling through ancient forests.
The Health Benefits of Nature
With approximately 450,000 square kilometers of national parks in Canada, opportunities for exploration abound. However, experiencing nature’s health benefits doesn’t require a national park visit; simply walking in wooded areas or spending time in green urban spaces can also be advantageous.
Notable health benefits include enhanced physical activity and immune response, lower stress levels, and reduced risks of cardiovascular illnesses and diabetes. Additionally, exposure to nature can boost cognitive functions such as memory, creativity, and focus.
Beyond physical health, engaging with nature significantly impacts mental well-being, reducing anxiety and repetitive thoughts; enhancing mood and overall happiness; and fostering social connections and a deeper sense of purpose in life.
A Positive Impact
Engaging with nature benefits not only individuals but also the environment. Research indicates that people who appreciate natural settings tend to adopt more eco-friendly practices, such as opting for sustainable choices over fast fashion. So, get outside and contribute positively—to yourself and the planet!
