Is it possible regular play might just keep the doctor away? Could social prescriptions reduce individual health issues to such an extent that U.S. Medical costs plummet?
In his recent NYTs Op-Ed piece on the loneliness epidemic Nicholas Kristuff, points out “if the researchers are correct, social isolation probably kills far more people in the West each year than terrorists and murderers, and it costs the public enormous sums in unnecessary health costs.”
According to the England NHA “Social prescribing involves helping patients to improve their health, well-being and social welfare by connecting them to community services which might be run by the council or a local charity.” In fact, social prescriptions are currently utilized in over 17 countries and have been used in some countries for decades.
Prescriptions for play and playfulness may not be commonplace; and yet, they are beginning to emerge and show promise. One excellent example from the Nature Connection Guide indicates “US doctors are prescribing outdoors in prescriptions in 35 states given the realities that being outdoors and experiencing nature are positive to our overall health and well-being.”
ParkRX is another example and resource for doctors and patients alike when it comes to practically prescribing outdoor activities for improved well-being. Check them out!
According to Greater Good Magazine, some San Francisco doctors even hand out Happiness Prescriptions [which] explicitly state that such happiness-promoting activities can be as valuable to our health as the medicines we traditionally prescribe.”
Social prescriptions alone may not do the trick; yet, they can assist in building an important ritual.
According to BJ Fogg, author of Tiny Habits, identifying a tiny habit, then “hooking” it onto other habits and celebrating success are key to forming habits. Social prescriptions followed by regular check in’s are beneficial and include the all important accountability factor needed to start and maintain habits.
Dr. Dean Sherzai, a behavioral neurologist in Loma Linda, CA and a proponent of social prescriptions has also found that “changing one element of their lifestyle at a time, using SMART goals, is very empowering for patients.”
Could social prescriptions, followed by new tiny habits, and accountability lead to the daily habit or practice of play and playfulness? We want to find out!
We believe Social Prescriptions are building blocks for improved well-being and creating the Practice of Playfulness. How fun would that be?
Practice Playfulness 
I take a similiar approach to teaching. The more playful and entertaining it is, the more can be learned.
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