Prescribed time in nature linked to improvements in anxiety, depression and blood pressure

Researchers say there are interlinked benefits across mental and physical health from prescribed time in green spaces or near bodies of water

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Prescriptions encouraging people to spend more time in nature are linked to reduced blood pressure and improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms, according to new analysis.

Doctors sometimes use nature-based social prescription programs – sometimes described as “green prescriptions” or “blue prescriptions” – to advise patients to spend time in green spaces or near bodies of water.

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