The Ready State Podcast Jay Maddock: The Profound Health Benefits of Nature Exposure In As Little As 120 Minutes Per Week
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Jun 12, 2025 Jay Maddock, a Professor at Texas A&M University in Public Health, explores the transformative effects of nature exposure on health. He reveals how spending just 120 minutes outdoors each week can boost mood, cognitive function, and even speed up recovery in hospital patients. Maddock discusses the concept of 'nature deficit disorder,' the incorporation of green spaces in urban design, and why outdoor activities are vital for children's development. He advocates for nature prescriptions in healthcare, highlighting nature's profound influence on well-being.
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Modern Screen Time vs Nature Deficit
- Average adults now spend about 8 hours daily on screens, doubling since 2012.
- Most people spend less than 20 minutes a week outdoors, impacting physiology negatively.
Dose-Dependent Benefits of Nature
- Nature exposure has tiered health benefits depending on the duration spent outdoors.
- Short walks improve attention, longer exposure reduces rumination, and weekends boost immune function significantly.
Doctors Prescribe Nature Time
- Doctors are prescribing time spent in nature tailored to individual health needs.
- Patients improve mental health with even one weekly garden visit.
