A Healthy Dose of Outdoors: Nature-Based Interventions
In his introduction to the 2024 AANP Practice Report, Jon Fanning, CEO of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®, emphasized a significant finding by researchers that anxiety is the most commonly treated condition by nurse practitioners, surpassing even hypertension and pain. While hypertension is a leading cause of premature death worldwide, anxiety, though not physically dangerous, affects 19.1% of Americans, presenting symptoms that range from annoying to debilitating.
Related: Anxiety and Panic Disorders: The Latest Treatment Recommendations
During a recent episode of NP Pulse, guest Shonda Phelon discussed the concept of “Sunday Scaries,” a term her daughter used to describe pre-workweek anxiety. This revelation inspired Phelon to explore ways NPs can counteract this form of anxiety. At the 2024 AANP National Conference, she highlighted the importance of normalizing anxiety for patients, allowing them to feel empowered to manage it. Techniques include listening to calming music, breathing exercises, and engaging in enjoyable activities like cycling or basketball.
Phelon emphasizes the significance of encouraging positive behaviors and routinely recommending exercise, noting that persistence from healthcare providers leads to better patient adherence over time. Reflecting on her daughter’s experience, she points out that anxiety is rampant among adolescents and young adults who face unique challenges, including the impacts of social media and an increasingly unstable global environment.
Related: Mental Health Meet-Up Episode: Managing and Treating Anxiety
Rather than simply criticizing technology, Phelon encourages NPs to model focused behavior by limiting unnecessary phone use. By demonstrating healthier habits, healthcare providers can influence young adults, fostering a more balanced approach to technology and anxiety management.
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