Nature As Medicine
Nature As Medicine  
Podcast: Sustainable Minimalists
Published On: Tue Jul 07 2026
Description: Are we treating the symptoms of modern life while simultaneously ignoring our habitat? The average American now spends 93% of their life indoors. But humans evolved for millennia alongside the natural world, and research suggests that our indoor lifestyle is disrupting our sleep, focus and long-term health. You don’t need a gym membership or expensive workout gear to get your health back on track. On today’s show, Dr. John La Puma argues that all you need is a 17-minute dose of nature, every single day. Here’s a preview: [4:00] Modern medicine tends to prioritize intervention over prevention. But why? [7:30] We’re taught to fear the outdoors, but indoor living can be directly harmful in ways we’re only beginning to understand [11:30] Why it’s time to view “screen time” as “ultra-processed time” [16:00] Exactly how a daily dose of morning sunlight resets insulin sensitivity, hunger timing, and prefrontal cortex function [30:00] Outside exercise is better for you than inside exercise, so take your movement outdoors! Resources mentioned: Indoor Epidemic: 93% Inside Steals Sleep, Focus & Years—The 7% Outdoor Rx Restores Them The Summer Challenge: Touch Grass (via The NY Times) 7-Day Outdoor Reset (via IndoorEpidemic.com) Birding to Change the World (by Trish O’Kane) This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.