In the era of digital advancement, when the whole world has come to a square on social media, where people rather feel more lonely and depressed, the discussions around mental health, the importance of meditation, and nature as a therapeutic healing process have become more aggressive than before.
Well, in an interesting finding to the same, doctors in Switzerland have started writing a new kind of prescription for people experiencing stress or anxiety, and it is for free!
According to?Reuters report, in Neuch?tel, a city in western Switzerland, physicians are now prescribing free visits to museums, art galleries, and public gardens to help those who are struggling with mental health issues or chronic diseases.
The report suggests that so far, about 500 of these 'cultural prescriptions' are being handed out as part of a year-long project. As per the prescription, patients can visit four sites, including the city's botanical garden and three museums, to seek help.?
Now, in regular life, we witness that Gen Z mental health differs from that of the previous generations. Amid this, how will the term called 'museum therapy' help?
The overall idea behind the concept of museum therapy is to give patients a moment of relief from pain, anxiety, and stress. But how can engaging with art and exhibits provide a sense of relief or mindfulness for someone with anxiety??
Nature has long been an evident source of stress relief and well-being. “Whether it’s a visit to a nearby garden, hiking, or even something as simple as spending time tending to plants, time spent in nature has been shown to offer benefits such as improved mood, lower stress levels, and enhanced concentration,” says Dr. Sachin Baliga, Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru.?
“In addition to this, visiting museums can also contribute to mental health by fostering a sense of racial or community belonging, promoting creativity, and, most importantly, encouraging self-reflection in the face of the ephemeral,” he adds.
After all, wouldn't you ponder over your place in the grand scheme when surrounded by everything impermanent?
According to the report, the program was inspired by a 2019 World Health Organization study on the role of the arts in health, which also included lessons learned from the COVID-19 lockdowns when people felt more isolated.?
But visiting a museum can be surprisingly calming for anxiety. “The quiet and beautiful displays help focus your mind, almost like a gentle reset, and can even trigger those good-feeling brain chemicals, dopamine and endorphins. Art and history can quiet anxious thoughts by offering distraction and new perspectives. Their peaceful environments encourage presence, which reduces worry,” suggests Dr. Ravi Kumar C P, Consultant—Paediatric Neurology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.
Research shows cortisol levels decrease in these spaces. Crucially, museums serve as a complementary tool, not a replacement for professional therapies like CBT or counseling.
No matter how fancy your Instagram profiles look or how busy you may sound on your social media, the younger generation faces a lot mentally.?
In 2024, a study conducted by Deloitte found that 40 per cent of Gen Z workers shared that they experience anxiety issues and stress. These mental health problems are greatly exacerbated by elements like social media pressure, unstable economies, and international crises.
“The high prevalence of anxiety in Gen Z warrants attention to stress-regulation mechanisms. Meanwhile, there are also other ways out to manage mental health problems other than museum therapy,” says Dr. Kumar.?
? Stay physically active. Engaging in activities such as aerobics, walking, or jogging boosts endorphins, reducing stress and improving mood.
? Include high omega-rich foods such as fish, nuts, and seeds. This promotes equilibrium in brain function and emotional well-being. One should limit processed foods.
? Consistent sleep and a regular schedule stabilize mood and refresh the mind.
? Mindfulness and meditation train the brain to manage anxiety and improve emotional control.
? Engage in creative activities such as music or art to reduce stress and activate positive brain pathways.
? Quality time with peers or family releases oxytocin, fostering calm and connection and combating loneliness.
? Spending time outdoors lowers cortisol and promotes relaxation.
? Volunteering provides purpose and reduces stress.
? Learning new skills distracts from negative thoughts and boosts accomplishment.
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