Why Museums May Be Your Newest Repeat Prescription

Doctors in Switzerland prescribe a range of holistic activities such as museum trips, public gardens wandering and viewing art in galleries to help boost their mental health.

What Do You Mean?

Let’s be real – the daily grind of life in 2025 isn’t exactly easing anyone’s stress. Between the constant ping of notifications, work deadlines, and the pressures of social media, mental health has never been more of a hot topic. But what if the answer to all this wasn’t just another wellness app or a kale smoothie? What if it was… something that has been around all along… like a museum?

Yes, you read that right. In Switzerland, doctors are now prescribing visits to museums as a treatment for mental health struggles. And honestly, it makes total sense.

Research has shown that engaging with art and culture can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and boost emotional well-being – all things we could definitely use more of. The beauty of this approach is that it's not just about ticking a box to 'feel better'; it’s about experiencing something that forces you to slow down and connect with your emotions in a deeper, more thoughtful way. In the chaos of our overstimulated lives, that's a serious act of self-care.

Now, I’m not saying you should replace therapy with a trip to the Tate (though if your therapist approves, go for it). But the idea that something as simple as an afternoon spent in an art gallery could be a meaningful tool in managing mental well-being is refreshing. 

And it’s proof that, in the pursuit of better mental health, we sometimes need to look back to simpler, more mindful experiences.

So next time you're feeling overwhelmed, why not swap that scroll through Instagram for a stroll through your local museum? It might just be the mental health reset you didn’t know you needed.

Your mind (and maybe your Instagram feed) will thank you.

Charity Check-in

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article. 

Mental Health Foundation. This organisation is focused on improving mental health across the UK by providing resources, support, and raising awareness about the importance of mental health care. Learn more here.

Art for Mental Health. A UK charity that combines art and mental health, promoting creative activities to help people cope with mental health challenges. Support them here.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This US charity offers support, education, and advocacy for people affected by mental health conditions. They are also active in promoting creative outlets as a form of therapy, especially through their NAMI Arts programs. Find out more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Health and Wellbeing.