Starting Your Nature Rx Journey
You got a Nature Prescription (Nature Rx)! Now what?
Spending time in nature has been shown to have many positive effects on your health and well-being. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you connect with nature:
Step 1: Understand Your Prescription
Familiarize yourself with the details of your Nature Rx prescription, and set a goal for how often you want to spend time in nature. Remember, even a little time is better than nothing!
Step 2: Decide Where You Want to Go
Step outside, don’t overcomplicate it!
- Consider the UC Davis Arboretum, local parks, the Davis greenbelt, or even a quiet spot on campus.
Step 3: Choose Your Activity
There are so many ways to notice nature!
- If you're seeking tranquility, find a quiet spot to meditate or adopt a “sit spot” practice.
- For physical activity, explore hiking, biking, or jogging trails, or even just do some gentle stretches.
- Bring a notebook to journal your thoughts, sketch, or write poetry inspired by nature.
- Bring along a camera or smartphone to capture the beauty you encounter. Explore plants and animals you see using an app like iNaturalist.
Make sure you have what you need to be comfortable in the outdoors, including water, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Step 4: Reflect on how you feel
- Would you repeat the same activity again, or prefer to change things up? Are there things you would do differently next time? Would it be fun to invite a friend or a classmate to join you?
- Map out how you will continue to spend time in nature. Consistency is key to reaping the full benefits of Nature Rx!
Nature Rx is all about slowing down, listening carefully to what you need, and tuning into the beauty of the natural world. The more you notice nature, the more you'll benefit from it. Don't forget that nature is all around you- you just need to look for it!