Embracing Holistic Health Through Social Prescribing
On March 19, 2025, we come together to celebrate Social Prescribing Day, a global movement recognizing the vital role of arts, culture, and nature in enhancing health and well-being. This day highlights the innovative approaches that extend beyond traditional medical treatments, integrating community-based, non-clinical interventions to support mental, physical, and emotional health. Social prescribing acknowledges that well-being is not solely dependent on prescriptions or medical procedures but also on meaningful activities that nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
Through partnerships between healthcare providers, community organizations, and cultural institutions, social prescribing empowers individuals to engage in creative, social, and nature-based experiences that promote resilience, reduce stress, and combat loneliness. Whether through art therapy, music programs, gardening, museum visits, or outdoor activities, these initiatives provide holistic healing opportunities that contribute to healthier, happier communities. As we celebrate Social Prescribing Day, we recognize the power of community-driven wellness and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and accessible approach to health.
The Role of Nature in Social Prescribing
Nature-based interventions are a vital component of social prescribing, offering therapeutic benefits that improve mental and physical health. Recognizing this, the San Diego Museum Council has launched the “Healing Power of Nature” blog series, highlighting local natural sanctuaries that serve as havens for relaxation and rejuvenation. This initiative aims to bring awareness to the great resources the San Diego region has to offer and illustrate how embracing nature and art-based interventions can lead to healthier lives.
Exploring Nature’s Healing Spaces
The San Diego Museum Council’s “Healing Power of Nature” blog series spotlights two remarkable local sanctuaries that provide restorative benefits. The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 2,500-acre coastal habitat, offers diverse wildlife, including over 370 bird species, and opportunities for scenic hikes, birdwatching, and guided nature walks that encourage physical activity and mental relaxation. Similarly, the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park serves as a peaceful retreat, particularly beneficial for youth mental health. Studies show that exposure to natural environments like this garden can reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve cognitive function. The garden’s summer camps and educational programs immerse participants in Japanese culture, wellness practices, and sustainability, deepening their connection to nature.
Engaging with Local Nature-Based Programs
Engaging with local nature-based programs is a practical way to experience the benefits of social prescribing. Visiting places like the Tijuana Estuary and the Japanese Friendship Garden allows individuals to connect with nature, engage in physical activity, and find tranquility away from daily stresses. These experiences not only enhance personal well-being but also foster a sense of community and environmental stewardship.
California’s coastal state parks and natural reserves offer additional opportunities for outdoor immersion. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve provides stunning ocean views and diverse hiking trails, while the expansive State Beaches encourage relaxation and recreational activities like tide pooling and birdwatching. The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas showcases a wide variety of plant species, offering a peaceful environment for mindful walks and educational experiences. Cabrillo National Monument provides historical insights alongside breathtaking coastal scenery, while the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon educates visitors on sustainable landscaping practices. For those interested in wildlife conservation, the California Wolf Center in Julian offers a unique chance to learn about endangered wolves and their role in the ecosystem.
Beyond these locations, community gardens and urban green spaces, such as Balboa Park’s trails and the Mission Trails Regional Park, provide easily accessible options for connecting with nature within the city. By engaging with these spaces, individuals can improve mental and physical health, reduce stress, and build meaningful connections with their surroundings and community.
How the Arts Fit Into Social Prescribing
The arts play a central role in the social prescribing movement. Whether it’s attending a local theater performance, participating in a painting class, or engaging in a community drum circle, the arts provide individuals with opportunities for meaningful social connections, stress relief, and emotional healing. In fact, research has shown that engaging in the arts can have a profound impact on our physical, mental, and social health.
Just as physical activity and nutrition are essential for good health, so is regular participation in the arts. Activities like watching performances, listening to music, dancing, attending drum circles, or painting can lower stress, reduce hypertension, and even improve memory and academic performance. Engaging in the arts is not about the final product but rather the experience itself, which nurtures emotional resilience and overall well-being.
Regular participation in the arts has been linked to:
- Reduced Stress & Anxiety: Just as physical exercise benefits our heart, the arts reduce cortisol levels, which in turn lowers stress and improves mood.
- Better Social Connections: Arts activities foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation, enhancing individuals’ sense of belonging.
- Improved Cognitive Function: Studies have demonstrated that engaging in creative activities boosts memory and cognitive function, with benefits comparable to regular physical exercise.
- Physical Health Benefits: Participation in arts programs can reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as hypertension and heart disease.
The beauty of arts-based interventions is that they can be integrated into both clinical settings, such as hospitals and therapy centers, and community settings, such as schools, non-profits, and local cultural organizations. This flexibility allows for tailored approaches based on the needs of different individuals, from those recovering from illness to those looking to enhance their general well-being.
San Diego’s museums offer a variety of arts-based interventions that promote community engagement, cultural enrichment, and personal well-being. A notable example of this is the collaboration between the UC San Diego Stein Institute for Research on Aging and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. This partnership hosts events that include thought-provoking panel discussions on the intersection of art, aging, and the museum experience, followed by guided tours and receptions. One such event, supported by the Vitality Arts Program, highlights the meaningful work being done by both organizations to explore how art can engage, empower, and enrich the lives of older adults. This initiative not only fosters cultural enrichment but also promotes intergenerational dialogue and well-being through creative engagement with the arts.
The Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering and Membership at Museums, Gardens, Parks, and Historic Sites
Volunteering at a museum, garden, park, or historic site offers profound benefits not only to the community but also to an individual’s mental health. Engaging in civic service fosters a sense of purpose, reduces stress, and combats feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. By participating in volunteer activities, individuals experience an increased sense of belonging and connection, which is crucial for emotional well-being. Museums, gardens, and parks provide serene and enriching environments that enhance the stress-reducing benefits of volunteering. Being surrounded by nature, history, or art can stimulate mindfulness, allowing volunteers to experience moments of peace and fulfillment. The act of helping others and contributing to the preservation of cultural and natural heritage fosters appreciation, gratitude, and a deeper sense of personal satisfaction.
Furthermore, volunteering nurtures social bonds and provides opportunities for skill development and personal growth. Whether assisting visitors at a historic site, maintaining a botanical garden, or guiding tours in a museum, volunteers engage in meaningful activities that strengthen their cognitive and physical health. Studies show that older adults, in particular, benefit from volunteering by staying active, maintaining mental sharpness, and enjoying improved self-esteem. The social connections formed through these experiences help build a support system, reducing isolation and promoting a sense of community.
In addition to volunteering, becoming a member of a museum, park, or historical organization can provide similar benefits. Membership fosters a deeper connection to the institution, granting individuals access to exclusive events, behind-the-scenes experiences, and networking opportunities with like-minded individuals. Membership programs often encourage active participation, whether through attending lectures, engaging in special programs, or contributing financially to the organization’s mission. By joining as a member, individuals support the cultural and natural preservation efforts while also benefiting from a sense of involvement and belonging.
Healthcare providers are now encouraging individuals, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges, to engage in activities like volunteering as part of their wellness plan.
Social prescribing—a healthcare approach that encourages non-medical interventions for improving well-being—has increasingly recognized the value of volunteering and community engagement. Healthcare providers now encourage individuals, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges, to participate in activities such as volunteering or joining an organization as part of their wellness plan. By prescribing community involvement rather than medication alone, individuals can find purpose, social connection, and emotional resilience in ways that contribute to long-term health benefits. Whether through hands-on volunteer work or active membership, engagement with museums, parks, and historical sites can be a powerful tool in promoting mental and emotional well-being.
The CA Arts & Culture Summit: Health, Healing, and Hope
“Health, Healing & Hope” — the theme of this year’s CA Arts & Culture Summit — For those interested in deepening their understanding of arts and health, you’re invited to attend the 3rd annual California Arts & Cultural Summit on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Sacramento. The summit will serve as a gathering space for artists, cultural workers, advocates, and policymakers, united by a shared vision of fostering belonging and embedding arts into community wellness and recovery initiatives. Attendees will explore innovative policies and programs that recognize artists as essential “second responders,” facilitating healing and resilience in communities.
The event will feature:
- “Arts Prescribing in the US: Recent Research from the EpiArts” – An interactive Lunch & Learn session led by Katrina Pineda, Research Coordinator at the EpiArts Lab at the University of Florida. The EpiArts Lab, co-directed by Dr. Jill Sonke and Dr. Daisy Fancourt, is a National Endowment for the Arts Research Lab that focuses on long-term research examining the impacts of arts and cultural engagement on health outcomes in the U.S.
- “Sound Wellness: Interactive Community Sound Healing” – A special interactive experience with Nekia Wright, CEO of Ujamaa LLC, a San Francisco-based flutist, award-winning filmmaker, and holistic wellness & education specialist. This session will explore the healing and connecting power of community sound circles, using tools like tuning forks, singing bowls, and gongs to create therapeutic soundscapes that alleviate pain, reduce stress, and enhance mental health.
Attend the California Arts & Cultural Summit
Join arts advocates in Sacramento this April for an enriching experience featuring insightful conversations and workshops aimed at exploring initiatives that profoundly impact and shape the lives of all who work in the arts, showcasing the transformative power of creativity, imagination, and inspiration in society. Discover more here.
San Diego’s Commitment to Healing Through the Arts and Nature
San Diego is fortunate to have foundations like the Prebys Foundation investing in innovative approaches to health and well-being. Recognizing that healing extends beyond clinical care, the foundation is pioneering efforts to integrate arts, culture, and nature into community wellness. The Healing Through the Arts and Nature initiative, launched on January 15, 2025, awarded $5.2 million in grants to 59 nonprofits across the region, empowering programs that serve youth, veterans, justice-impacted individuals, and historically underserved communities. By supporting creative and nature-based interventions, the Prebys Foundation is helping to foster resilience, mental well-being, and social connection in a post-pandemic world.
These grants fund a wide range of innovative programs—from playwriting and painting to surfing, horse therapy, farming, and dance—showcasing the transformative power of the arts and the outdoors. The initiative embraces “social prescription”, a growing movement where healthcare providers encourage participation in non-clinical services, such as community arts programs and outdoor activities, to improve physical and mental health. By enhancing access to these opportunities, particularly for underinvested communities, the Prebys Foundation is not only addressing immediate health challenges but also preventing future ones. Their investment in the arts and nature underscores the vital role creativity and outdoor experiences play in building healthier, more vibrant communities across San Diego.
To learn more about Prebys Foundation’s investment in Healing Through the Arts, listen to the latest episode of the Prebys podcast, “Stop and Talk.” In this episode, Prebys Foundation CEO Grant Oliphant and Chris Appleton, founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy, explore how programs like the Healing Through the Arts and Nature initiative are improving community health through greater access to arts, culture, and nature. Listen now at: Prebys Foundation Podcast – Stop and Talk
Get Involved in Social Prescribing Day
Social prescribing is at a pivotal moment in the United States, gaining momentum as healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, and community organizations recognize its value in improving well-being. With 2025 shaping up to be a breakthrough year, the movement continues to expand—connecting people with arts, nature, service opportunities, and social connection activities as part of holistic health interventions.
One of the best ways to get involved is by participating in Social Prescribing Day on March 19, from noon to 1:30 p.m. PST. This virtual event will bring together leading experts and advocates who have been instrumental in shaping the movement in the U.S. Discussions will explore the successes achieved so far, ongoing challenges, and the role of arts and culture in healthcare. By attending, you’ll gain insights into how social prescribing is transforming lives and learn ways to support its expansion in your community.
To join this important conversation, register for the event at Social Prescribing USA Registration. The webinar will be recorded and made available on the Social Prescribing USA YouTube channel for those who cannot attend live. Be part of this growing movement and help integrate social prescribing into the future of healthcare!
To register for the event, visit: Social Prescribing USA Registration.
Embracing Wellness Through Arts, Nature, and Community
As Social Prescribing Day on March 19th draws near, let’s take this opportunity to embrace the power of arts, culture, and nature in our daily lives. Whether it’s attending a community art workshop, taking a mindful walk in nature, or volunteering for a local organization, small actions can make a big impact on our well-being. By integrating these holistic approaches into our wellness routines and encouraging others to do the same, we contribute to a healthier, more connected society.
More than just a one-day event, arts and nature immersion should be a year-round lifestyle commitment for you and your family. By making arts and nature-based interventions a part of your routine, you can cultivate long-term benefits for mental, physical, and emotional health. Stay engaged with this blog and follow the San Diego Museum Council’s social media channels for more ways to incorporate creativity and the outdoors into your wellness journey.
Together, we can strengthen the social prescribing movement and create lasting change in how we approach health and healing. Let’s inspire, engage, and transform—one step at a time.
