Nature is often treated as a luxury — something we visit when we have time.
But public health researcher Jay Maddock has spent years studying something different: what actually happens in the body when we spend time outside.
In this conversation, Jay shares the research behind what many of us intuitively feel. Within minutes of stepping outside, blood pressure drops, mood improves, and our nervous system begins to reset. Over longer periods, time in nature may even strengthen immune function.
Jay's work sits at the intersection of public health, behavioral science, and environmental psychology. From leading the Center for Health and Nature at Texas A&M to helping launch the Nature and Health Alliance, he is helping build the research infrastructure behind what many people already sense: nature isn't an escape from life — it's part of how human health works.
Susan and Jay explore micro-doses of nature, weekend "macro doses," nature prescriptions in healthcare systems, and why the biggest shift often comes simply from moving from no nature to some nature.
The conversation is both scientific and practical — a reminder that even small moments outside can have meaningful effects on how we feel and function.
In our conversation we explore:
• Why even 10 minutes outside can shift how we feel
• The idea of "micro-doses" and "macro-doses" of nature
• Research linking greener neighborhoods with better mental health
• The growing movement of nature prescriptions in healthcare
• How nature can help restore attention and reduce burnout
One of the most important insights Jay shares is simple:
The greatest benefit from nature often comes from moving from no exposure to some exposure.
Small moments outside may matter more than we think.
