Laughter is the best medicine, right? Or maybe it’s food… Music soothes the soul, and nature is a boundless source for healing.
Self-help tips may seem old-school, but these days the medical world is finally catching on and recognizing them as solutions. Progressive clinicians are stepping up their game, realizing that social prescribing—or recommending lifestyle changes—isn’t just feel-good advice. It’s rooted in science.
Think about it: More than 80% of our health outcomes are shaped by the social factors around us, while just 16% of improvements are tied to what happens in a clinic. That makes social prescribing a pretty solid bet.
Staying healthy takes more than maintaining the right dosage. It’s about having access to essentials—clean air, good food, stable housing and safety from violence and discrimination. But it also means building a toolkit to manage stress, and find joy and purpose.
Here are five powerful social prescriptions that are gaining recognition as game-changers for boosting both mental and physical health, no medication required.
The Mediterranean Diet has already been linked to physical health, but new research finds that following the Mediterranean diet also can improve moods. A group of studies from UCSF show a reduction in feelings of anxiety and depression of up to 32%.
The Mediterranean way of sharing meals with family and friends is equally important to enhancing feelings of wellbeing. A 2017 study concludes that people who eat socially are more likely to feel better about themselves and to have a wider social network capable of providing social and emotional support.
Researchers learned that evening meals make people feel closer than eating lunch together, and dinners at which laughter and reminiscences occur are especially likely to enhance feelings of connection.
Nature Walks and Forest Bathing: Reconnecting with nature can significantly reduce stress, improve mood and boost overall mental health. “Forest bathing,” or simply walking in green spaces, allows people to unplug from their daily grind. It’s an immersive experience that lowers cortisol levels and fosters a sense of calm.
One place to start is the Sempervirens Fund’s Trails Rx program, which is designed to increase visitation to the region’s state parks by featuring easy-rated trails at five accessible park destinations, including the Redwood Loop Trail in Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Castle Rock Waterfall Trail in Castle Rock State Park. (For more, visit sempervirens.org/trails-rx.)
Arts and Crafts for Grownups: A new study published in Frontiers in Public Health reveals that people who participate in creative activities have higher levels of subjective well-being compared to those who don’t make time for arts and crafts. They found such activities significantly predicted a greater sense that life is worthwhile and higher levels of happiness.
Volunteering and Community Service: Giving back can be a powerful way to gain perspective and purpose. Volunteering has been shown to reduce depression and loneliness while boosting self-worth. It also builds a support network that can be vital for mental and emotional health.
Social Clubs and Support Groups: Providing a sense of belonging and community, groups offer a regular social outlet and a platform for shared experiences, which can be especially helpful for those dealing with chronic illness, grief, or major life transitions.
Social prescriptions offer a refreshing and holistic approach to healthcare, embracing all aspects of what it truly means to be healthy. It’s time to start prescribing more joy, connection and community—one meaningful step at a time.
Elizabeth Borelli is a wellness coach and mindfulness expert. Contact her via elizabethborelli.com.
