Elon’s Nature Rx program highlights the proven health benefits of spending time in nature and offers programming to encourage students, faculty and staff to get outdoors.
Elon’s Nature Rx program, a collaborative initiative between Counseling Services, the Office of Sustainability and the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education, highlights the proven health benefits of spending time in nature. Nature Rx events are offered each month to faculty, staff, and students as an opportunity to explore on- and off-campus ways to engage in the natural world.
Research consistently shows that outdoor activities can sharpen cognitive abilities, elevate mood and energy levels, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhance overall physical health, including immune function. Time spent in nature can even reduce feelings of stress and improve your body’s physiological response to stressors!
Incorporating nature into your daily routine doesn’t require a significant time investment—research shows that just 5 to 20 minutes outdoors each day can deliver meaningful benefits. Elon University’s campus offers an ideal environment to make nature part of your everyday life. Whether it’s joining an adventure with Elon Outdoors, exploring the community garden, or enjoying an afternoon at Like Mary Nell, Elon’s green spaces are always available to students.
Events for the Spring 2025 semester include:
Healing Honey Workshop: A Sweet Journey to Wellness
Feb. 18, 4:15-5:15 p.m. in Daniel Commons
This event will help promote mindfulness, gratitude and wellness at the beginning of the semester. Join us to make different infused honeys to promote natural well-being and focus on your gratitude and positive intentions for the new semester. Sponsored by the Danieley Neighborhood and the Dr. Jo Watts School of Education
Mental Health Hike at Shallow Ford Natural Area
March 7 from 3-5 p.m. Registration required (transportation included)
Join us for an inclusive 1.5-mile hike (easy to moderate, some uneven terrain) to experience and explore the ways being in nature can support your holistic wellness.
Stargazing for Mental Health
April 3 from 8:30-10 p.m.
Registration Encouraged
The night sky has been a source is fascination for humans throughout history. Join the Astronomy Club, the Office of Sustainability, Counseling Services, the Historic and Danieley Center Neighborhoods as we engage in nature in a unique and memorable way through exploration of the night sky.
Happy Hammocking at Lake Mary Nell
May 6 from 3-4:30 p.m. Registration required
As finals approach, take a well-deserved break and relax in nature. We’ll provide journals for you to decorate and reflect in, along with thoughtful prompts exploring wellbeing and the outdoors. Come unwind, get creative and recharge!
Learn more about Nature Rx at Elon, including information on our Mobile Outdoor Classroom Kit available for faculty and staff to check out, on the Nature Rx website.