Nature has an undeniable impact on our wellbeing. From reducing stress, promoting positive emotions and boosting mood to improving physical health, fostering connection and restoring attention, we need nature.
Yet, unfortunately, time in nature has been on a steady decline since the 1980s, with people spending more time indoors and disconnected from nature. A 2022 survey of American adults found that a majority of Americans (58.8%) spend one hour or less per day outdoors and nearly one in five Americans (18.3%) spend less than 15 minutes a day outdoors. Children are also affected by this trend; in a national study of over 11,000 children aged 3-5, nearly 4 in 10 children played outdoors for less than 1 hour on weekdays, with little improvement on the weekends. Children are spending less time outside, contributing to what researcher Richard Louv has coined as “nature-deficit disorder.”
People of color, those living in urban areas, and communities without access to safe or nearby green spaces face additional systemic barriers to spending time outside. For autistic and disabled people – who often face structural, societal and accessibility barriers to the outdoors – time in nature can be even more limited, further contributing to existing wellbeing disparities.
The bottom line? We need nature now more than ever.
That’s why we’re eager to announce our latest happiness skill: Nature Prescriptions. Originating from research on the restorative effects of nature, a Nature Prescription encourages you to spend at least 120 minutes per week outdoors (that’s less than 20 minutes per day!). Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, gardening or simply sitting under a tree, the goal is to make nature part of your regular routine. Doctors across the globe are now prescribing nature to improve mood, reduce anxiety and promote wellbeing.
But the key isn’t just time outside — it’s about intentionally cultivating a deeper connection with nature to fully experience its benefits. And the best part? You don’t need to live near an ocean or national park to feel the effects — small doses of nature, or even noticing and incorporating nature into your indoor spaces, can make a big impact. Nature is EVERYWHERE and for EVERYONE.
Research shows that nature can be especially beneficial for autistic and neurodiverse individuals. Increased time in nature is linked to everything from improved sensory, social, and behavioral functioning to enhanced focus and greater subjective wellbeing. Not all nature experiences look the same. The key is to find what works for you — the spaces, textures, sounds and sensory experiences that bring a sense of joy, serenity and connection.
Get Started with Your Nature Prescription Today
Getting started is simple and accessible for everyone, no matter where you live or how much time you have. Here are a few ways to begin:
- Start Small, Start Local. Explore the areas near where you live – sit on a park bench, find a community garden or take a short walk around your neighborhood. To find parks, forests and outdoor spaces near you, visit discovertheforest.org.
- Make it a Habit. Create your own personalized Nature Prescription and set a goal to spend time in nature each week. Track your minutes, invite a friend or build it into your daily routine like any other wellbeing practice.
- Encourage Others to Get Outside. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, therapist, caregiver or team leader, you can share Nature Prescriptions with others. Teach students about the benefits of spending time outdoors, invite clients to track their nature time, or model outdoor breaks during team meetings or the school day.
Visit our Nature Prescriptions skill for free resources, printable tools, and classroom-ready lessons to help you and those around you reconnect with nature. Because nature is for everyone.
