Simply spending time in nature shows benefits both for body terrain factors linked to cancer and for reducing cancer risk. It may also help with symptoms common among people with cancer.
Affordability and access
Prescription required?
- No
Where to access
Unless you’re deep in a heavily paved city environment, some access to nature is likely near your home. A yard, a beach, a city park, a meadow, a wooded area, or even a neighborhood with some trees and other plants—all can offer some exposure to nature. You don’t have to travel far to access the benefits of time in nature. You can even bring a bit of nature into your home through plants and animals.
Managing more time in nature
More time in nature could bring more healing benefits.
Consider adding outdoor time to daily tasks.
- For regular outings for shopping or other errands, can you add a half-hour stop for a walk in a park or natural area nearby?
- If you live close to shopping, work, school, places of worship, or other destinations, can you walk instead of drive some trips? If public transit is available and causes you to walk or wait in a safe natural area, can you do so sometimes instead of driving?
- Can you move any regular activities outside as appropriate?
Eating
Working
Reading
Visiting friends or family
Exercising
Finding new ways to be outdoors:
- Can you create or increase time in a garden? If you don’t have your own yard, can you volunteer to help at a local park, community garden, or playground?
- If a dog might help you spend more time outside and it fits into your life, might you want one? If not, could you consider volunteering to walk dogs at a local animal shelter?
- Can you join or create a group who will participate in regular outdoor activities together?
- Could you learn more about the trees, animals, flowers, insects, snakes, birds, and other natural neighbors in your area? This will encourage engagement with local nature and make injuries and anxiety outdoors less likely.
Affordability
Although you can spend money on specific gear and travel for time in nature, you can choose your level of investment. A beach walk or hike on a wooded trail may cost nothing more than the transportation to get there, and a walk in your neighborhood could be completely free of expense.