If you're visiting a doctor in Scotland this month, expect to be directed to appreciate a cloud, watch birds or photograph 10 species of fungus to treat your high blood pressure.
Long walks and making daisy chains are among "nature prescriptions" that doctors in 10 county public surgeries in Scotland are now allowed to recommend to patients.
Earlier this month, the National Health Service Shetland rolled out new treatment plans for a range of chronic ailments including high blood pressure and depression.
General practitioners, affiliated to the 10 public surgeries, were given a calendar and a leaflet listing walks and activities such as gardening and collecting shells to promote the benefits of being outdoors.
Keeping a list of birds spotted, helping a neighbour in the garden and lighting a driftwood fire are among the treatment options for October.
The activities were compiled by the Royal Society of Birds Scotland. In a statement, the society said the partnership it had entered into with NHS Shetland was the first of its kind in the UK.
It explained that a successful pilot scheme, which took place at Scalloway surgery last year, led to the roll-out of "nature prescriptions" to all 10 general practitioner surgeries across the county.
"Nature prescriptions recognise the benefits of nature on reducing blood pressure, anxiety and increasing happiness, as well as [reducing] the growing disconnection with nature throughout society," the society said.
But don't expect the same treatment in SA. National health department spokesperson Popo Maja has not seen any research on the benefits of bird-watching.
He said there was compelling evidence that outdoor activities and interaction with the quiet of nature contributed greatly to one's mental health.
However, he said, health authorities should always test therapies used in other countries before adopting or advocating them in SA. "There are many be factors that influence how effective a therapy is in different settings."..