Sustainable Minimalists

Nature As Medicine

July 7, 2026·36 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

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.

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