The author of 'The Connection Cure' argues that we need "social prescriptions" as much as traditional medicine.

If visiting a doctor about low energy resulted in a prescription for vitamin D supplements and a suggestion to join a local run club, would you be open to the idea?

In the future, Julia Hotz, author of "The Connection Cure," envisions a healthcare system that prioritizes proactive treatments, such as social connection, to prevent health conditions, rather than the current "diagnose-treat-repeat" cycle.

In Hotz's view, social prescribing is the best way to approach health care in addition to traditional medicine. According to Hotz, who is a journalist with the Solutions Journalism Network, social prescribing involves referring non-medical community-based activities and resources to patients.

"The aim is to change the focus of health providers' questions from "What's the matter with you?" to "What matters to you?""

Hotz consulted with hundreds of health experts, examined thousands of scientific articles and historical texts, and visited ten countries. She encountered "real patients who had been prescribed these five ingredients to treat a variety of diagnoses, including type 2 diabetes, depression, stress, ADHD, anxiety, chronic pain, dementia, and loneliness," as she writes in her book.

According to Hotz, there are five types of social prescription and the appropriate times to use them.

The 5 types of 'social prescription'

1. Engage in movement when you're sad or stuck

Moving our bodies can be extremely beneficial when we're feeling sad or stuck, as Hotz advises Make It.

Serotonin and dopamine pathways that elevate mood can be stimulated by movement, she notes.

Engaging in an activity you enjoy, such as running or cycling, can enhance its benefits, according to Hotz.

2. Spend time in nature when you're distracted

According to Hotz, spending time in nature, even in stillness, can be "incredibly beneficial for our ability to focus."

"Evolution may have enabled us to pay attention to nature, which provided shelter and was necessary for survival," she explains.

Hotz recommends utilizing social interaction by going for a walk in the park or participating in group activities such as bird watching.

Taking a quick walk and sitting in the park can be incredibly powerful when you wake up with a full inbox and feel overwhelmed, according to Hotz.

3. Turn to art when you're worried

Hotz explains that sharing stories about our human experience, through various forms such as oral, written, or aesthetic storytelling (like paintings or drawings), helps us understand our own place in the world.

Engaging in art through reading a novel or creating your own can provide comfort by helping you relate to a character's journey and express your own emotions.

"According to Hotz, engaging in art can significantly reduce stress levels and increase feelings of calm, hope, and self-esteem."

4. Overcome feelings of anger or frustration with service

Anger and frustration can lead to headaches and rumination, Hotz says.

By redirecting our energy towards the well-being of others through serving a greater cause, our perspective shifts, she explains.

Engaging in community service activities such as maintaining a playground or nurturing a community garden can make you feel connected to something larger and contribute positively to society. Studies indicate that volunteering can enhance your well-being and drive.

5. Search for belonging when you're feeling lonely

Belonging is a fundamental human need, according to Hotz. A 85-year Harvard study revealed that having positive relationships can boost happiness and prolong life.

When we feel affirmed by others, whether it's a group or just one person, our self-esteem improves, according to research.

"When we are seen and understood by another person, we experience less loneliness."

Engaging in any of the other four types of social prescription in group settings can increase your sense of belonging. You can connect with people in shared spaces that align with your interests, such as fitness classes or book clubs.

"Social prescriptions are not meant to replace other types of medication, but rather to complement them, as Hotz stated in her book. Instead of solely treating the symptoms of illness, social prescriptions help us reconnect with our sources of wellness."

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