Ep 168: Back to Basics

The health benefits of spending time in nature and getting some sunlight are significant.

Why don’t we hear more about it?

Sources:

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/nature-prescriptions-when-should-doctors-prescribe-them-2026a1000r62

https://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/dementia/121893

Key Takeaways:

- Nature prescriptions turn familiar advice into a structured approach, but getting outdoors is simple and doesn't need to be complicated.

- For most of human history we lived and worked outdoors. Urban life has left many of us disconnected from nature, so we now need to be reminded to get out there.

- Time in nature is linked to lower stress and anxiety, and in one study people without their devices showed a significant drop in stress within three days. Research also suggests possible benefits for blood pressure, cardiovascular mortality and diabetes outcomes.

- A suggested dose is 20 minutes or more, several times a week, adding up to more than two hours. A city park or garden is perfectly suitable, and even photos or a view from a window may help.

- Higher daytime light exposure is linked to a lower risk of dementia, with a 16 percent relative reduction over eight years. That is far smaller in absolute terms, but it costs nothing and a backyard or balcony will do.

- You don't need programs or expensive gear. Open the door, go for a walk in comfortable shoes, and you get movement, light and fresh air together.

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Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction

00:27 Nature prescriptions: what the new article says

00:55 Why we shouldn't complicate something simple

01:13 How modern life disconnected us from nature

02:57 What time in nature does for stress, anxiety and thinking

03:46 The physical benefits: blood pressure, heart and diabetes

04:28 The suggested dose (and why a city park is fine)

04:44 Photos, window views and fresh air

06:36 Daytime light and a lower risk of dementia

07:57 What a 16 percent reduction really means

08:42 Science catches up with common sense

09:04 You don't need programs, just open the door

10:16 Outro

About Dr Joe Unplugged: Dr Joe Unplugged is your home for open commentary on health, wellbeing and life in the broadest sense. We will explore diet, exercise sleep and stress amongst other health matters as well as issues that may impact you and your wellbeing in direct or indirect ways.

Topics and comments on this podcast are general information only and are not in any way medical advice.

Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/

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