Walking is officially recognized as a cure for stress

Dr. Suzanne Hackenmiller from Iowa began prescribing such “natural recipes” after personal experience: walking helped her survive the death of her husband.

“When I tell them to go outside, people take it as permission for something simple but important-especially when everything around them seems too serious,” she says.

The effect of staying in nature has been confirmed by numerous studies: blood pressure decreases, stress hormone levels, and the immune system improves.

“It’s not just a pleasant pastime. It has been scientifically proven that man is created for contact with nature,” the doctors note.

About ten years ago, the idea of turning walking into an official medical prescription became systemic. So, in 2016, Dr. Robert Zarr founded the organization Park Rx America, which developed protocols for doctors. The doctor asks the patient what he likes to do outside — walking, sitting under a tree, riding a bike — and includes it in the prescription. The patient receives reminders and recommendations for regular walks.

Currently, almost 2,000 doctors from the USA, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon and Spain are registered in the program. Since 2019, they have issued more than 7,000 such prescriptions, said Dr. Stacy Beller Strayer, deputy director of Park Rx America. Dr. Bauer notes that the leaders of large companies are especially in need of natural medicines — people whose lives are stressful and indoors.:

“When I give out such a prescription, it is taken seriously — it is no longer just advice, but a medical recommendation.”

The effectiveness of such prescriptions is still being studied. However, preliminary data show that even short walks can improve mood and reduce stress levels. Some universities have also joined the movement. At the College of William and Mary (Virginia), students themselves write out such natural recipes to their classmates — they indicate where the nearest park is, how to get there and what can be done there.

“After a few hours in the library, a walk gives me lightness and peace of mind,” says student Kelsey Wakiyama.

While experts continue to explore the long-term effects of this approach, doctors are confident of one thing: even a simple walk can be the best cure for stress.