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 might seem old-school, but these days the medical world is finally catching on and recognizing them as legit 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 solid 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. Here in Santa Cruz, we’re lucky on most of those fronts. But it also means building a support system for our minds—a toolkit to manage stress, to 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 lift your mood, a lot. A group of studies from UCSF show a reduction in feelings of anxiety and depression of up to 32%.
Researchers also found that specific elements of a Mediterranean diet—vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and legumes along with low consumption of sugary beverages—had the greatest impact.
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, breathe in fresh air, and soak up the calming vibes of the natural world. It’s an immersive experience that lowers cortisol levels and fosters a sense of calm.
Arts and Crafts for Grownups: A new study published in Frontiers in Public Health reveals that people who participate in creative activities higher levels of subjective well-being compared to those who don’t make time for arts and crafts. The study, conducted by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University, analyzed data from over 7,000 adults living in the United Kingdom. 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 happiness and self-worth. It also builds community connections, creating a support network that can be vital for mental and emotional health. Looking for inspiration? At the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, their mission is simple: to transform our community through volunteerism and empower everyone to be the difference. with so many ways to give back, you’re bound to find an opportunity that works for you.
Social Clubs and Support Groups: From book clubs to support groups for specific conditions, social clubs provide a sense of belonging and community. They 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.
