03 Sep The surprising “medicine” your doctor might not mention
One of my clients came to me in her early 60s after years of struggling with Type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and exhaustion. She had spent decades in a high-stress career that left little time for herself. Exercise felt impossible, meals were whatever she could grab on the go, and by the time she reached midlife, she felt completely disconnected from her body and her joy.
Like many women in her position, she’d been told by doctors for years to “eat better and exercise more.” But shame and frustration set in when she couldn’t stick to the plans. She felt like she was failing when, in reality, the approach just wasn’t working for her.
When we began working together, I asked a different set of questions: What matters to you most right now? What brings you joy? What did you love to do when you were younger that you’ve lost along the way?
She thought for a moment and then smiled. As a child, she had loved dancing. She had also always wanted to paint, but never felt she had the time. Together, we created a new kind of prescription—one not written at a pharmacy, but built around community, movement, and creativity.
She joined a beginner dance class at her local community center and started attending an art workshop at her library. Over the following months, not only did her energy improve, but her weight began to come down, her blood sugar stabilized, and most importantly—she felt alive again. She made new friends who encouraged her, celebrated small wins with her, and gave her a sense of belonging.
This is the power of social prescribing.
What Is Social Prescribing?
Social prescribing is an approach where health professionals connect people to community-based activities instead of relying solely on medication. These “prescriptions” can include:
- Group exercise classes like yoga, Zumba, or walking clubs
- Art and music workshops
- Gardening or nature walks
- Volunteering opportunities
- Book clubs or faith-based gatherings
The idea is simple but powerful: when we focus on what lights us up instead of only what’s “wrong” with us, health begins to shift in sustainable ways.
Why It Works
Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression are the leading causes of illness worldwide. Research shows that healthy lifestyle changes, when they’re enjoyable and consistent, can prevent and even reverse many of these conditions.
Social prescribing works because it addresses more than just the physical side of health:
- Connection: Strong social ties improve mood, motivation, and accountability.
- Movement: Joyful physical activity reduces risk of disease, eases stress, and boosts mental health.
- Creativity: Art and music help reduce anxiety, lift depression, and even support memory.
- Nature: Time outdoors lowers stress hormones and restores balance.
- Purpose: Giving back through volunteering or service creates resilience and meaning.
For women in midlife, often balancing careers, caregiving, and personal health, this kind of holistic support can be life-changing.
Especially Helpful for Women 40+
Many of my clients in midlife come to me feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or like they’ve “lost themselves” somewhere along the way. Social prescribing offers a way back by reconnecting to activities that nourish both body and spirit.
I’ve worked with women who have joined choirs, taken up watercolor painting, joined hiking groups, or started volunteering with kids. The results are consistent: less loneliness, more energy, improved mood, and better management of health conditions.
Finding You
r Own Social Prescription
You don’t need to wait for a healthcare professional to mention it. You can start right now by asking yourself a few key questions:
- What brings me joy that I haven’t done in years?
- If I had two extra hours each week just for me, how would I spend it?
- Who are the people or communities I feel most connected to—or want to connect with?
Then, look around your community for opportunities:
- Parks and recreation programs
- Local libraries
- Community centers and faith groups
- Volunteer organizations
- Arts and cultural programs
Many of these are free or very low-cost, and they offer more than just activities. They offer connection, accountability, and belonging.
A Different Kind of Prescription
For my client, dance and art became her medicine. For others, it might be gardening, hiking, or singing in a choir. The point is that true healing doesn’t always come from a pill bottle—it often comes from rediscovering joy, purpose, and community.
If you’ve been searching for a more holistic way to support your health, especially in midlife, consider this your invitation to write your own social prescription. The right community connection might just be the most powerful medicine of all.
Wellness isn’t about adding more pressure or another box to check. It’s about creating a life that feels natural, balanced, and energizing. At Seva Health, we specialize in helping women over 40 design realistic, sustainable plans that nurture energy, mood, digestion, metabolism, and overall vitality.
With small, consistent changes, you can experience big, lasting results—and you don’t have to do it alone. We’ll be here to guide you every step of the way.
Feeling like you need a different kind of prescription? Join the Everyday Retreats With Angel Private Community where you’ll connect with women just like you who are taking more sacred pauses every day to create a life of clarity, courage, and purpose.
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