Person meditating in a lush forest clearing, symbolizing mental and physical well-being.

Nature's Rx: How Protected Areas Boost Your Well-being

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the healing power of natural parks and reserves, and how they can be your go-to for mental and physical health."

In today's fast-paced world, finding effective ways to manage stress and improve overall health is more critical than ever. While conventional medicine offers various treatments, a growing body of research highlights the profound benefits of connecting with nature. But what if there was a way to amplify these benefits? Enter Protected Natural Areas (PNAs).

PNAs, such as national parks and biosphere reserves, are more than just pretty landscapes; they are carefully preserved spaces designed to conserve biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services. Now, emerging studies suggest these areas play a significant role in promoting human health, offering unique opportunities for physical activity, mental restoration, and overall well-being.

This article delves into the groundbreaking research exploring the connection between PNAs and human health. We'll uncover how visiting these natural havens can alleviate various health issues, enhance mental wellness, and improve your quality of life, offering a compelling case for making nature a key component of your personal healthcare plan.

The Healing Power of Protected Natural Areas

Person meditating in a lush forest clearing, symbolizing mental and physical well-being.

A recent study investigated the relationship between visiting Montseny Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve (NP-BR) in Catalonia, Spain, and the health of individuals with various diseases. Researchers surveyed 250 patients living near the park, exploring their beliefs about the benefits of nature, their reasons for visiting, and the health-related activities they engaged in while there.

The findings revealed a strong connection between PNAs and improved health outcomes:

Belief in Nature's Benefits: An overwhelming 91% of participants believed that nature is beneficial for their health.
Most Valued Benefit: Clean air was cited as the most valued benefit of nature, particularly for those with allergies (27.2%).
Health as a Primary Reason: A significant 57% of respondents visited the park specifically for health reasons.
Physical Activity Boost: A remarkable 82% engaged in physical exercise within the park, with higher rates among those with heart diseases (85%).
Medicinal Plant Use: Nearly 40% collected plants for medicinal purposes.

These findings underscore the significant role of PNAs like Montseny NP-BR as vital health resources for individuals living nearby, confirming the beneficial effects of nature on human health.

Embrace Nature for a Healthier Life

The evidence is clear: protected natural areas offer a wealth of health benefits, from improving physical fitness to enhancing mental well-being. By providing opportunities for exercise, stress reduction, and connection with nature, PNAs serve as invaluable resources for promoting individual and community health.

So, how can you incorporate these findings into your life? It's simple: make a conscious effort to visit your local national park, nature reserve, or other protected area regularly. Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it's hiking, biking, meditating, or simply relaxing and soaking in the scenery.

By prioritizing time in nature, you can unlock the healing power of protected natural areas and take proactive steps towards a healthier, happier you. Nature isn't just a backdrop; it's an active ingredient in a vibrant, fulfilling life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3390/ijerph15102182, Alternate LINK

Title: Protected Natural Areas: In Sickness And In Health

Subject: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Publisher: MDPI AG

Authors: Teresa Romanillos, Roser Maneja, Diego Varga, Llorenç Badiella, Martí Boada

Published: 2018-10-06

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly are Protected Natural Areas (PNAs) and how can they improve health?

Protected Natural Areas, or PNAs, such as national parks and biosphere reserves, are specially designated spaces aimed at preserving biodiversity and delivering essential ecosystem services. These areas are now recognized as playing a vital role in promoting human health by providing unique opportunities for physical activity, mental restoration, and overall well-being. They are not just scenic locations but resources that can be integrated into personal healthcare plans.

How do people perceive the health benefits of nature, according to the Montseny Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve study?

The study conducted in Montseny Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve (NP-BR) revealed that a large percentage of participants, specifically 91%, believe that nature is beneficial for their health. This belief translates into tangible actions such as visiting the park for health reasons (57%), engaging in physical exercise within the park (82%), and even collecting plants for medicinal purposes (nearly 40%). Clean air was particularly valued, especially by those with allergies (27.2%).

How does physical activity within Protected Natural Areas like Montseny Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve specifically benefit individuals with heart diseases?

The research indicated that a significant number of individuals with heart diseases, specifically 85% of those surveyed, engaged in physical exercise within Montseny Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve. This highlights the potential of PNAs to serve as accessible and beneficial spaces for physical activity, particularly for those managing specific health conditions. It underscores the idea that nature can be a key component of a proactive approach to heart health.

Are there other factors to consider when evaluating the health benefits of visiting Protected Natural Areas?

While the focus is on the positive impacts of Protected Natural Areas like Montseny NP-BR, there could be other factors influencing the health outcomes observed. For example, access to healthcare, socio-economic status, and pre-existing health conditions can play a significant role. Future research could benefit from controlling for these variables to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the direct impact of PNAs on health.

What are the implications of collecting medicinal plants in Protected Natural Areas, and how does it relate to overall well-being?

The collection of medicinal plants within Protected Natural Areas such as Montseny NP-BR highlights a connection to traditional medicine and the use of natural resources for health. While nearly 40% collected plants for medicinal purposes, it’s important to consider sustainable practices and the potential impact on the ecosystem. Further research could explore the efficacy and safety of these traditional remedies, as well as guidelines for responsible harvesting to ensure the long-term availability of these resources.