Prescribing Nature: Doctors Argue 10-Minute Outdoor Sessions Yield Health Gains

Ten to fifteen minutes of outdoor activity is enough to produce measurable health benefits, according to a Prisma Health emergency doctor who practices wilderness medicine. Dr. Nathaniel Mann stated that this short duration is supported by literature and data, suggesting that long hikes are not necessary to gain therapeutic value from nature.

Mann, who spent two years traveling the world practicing medicine in remote environments, described time outdoors as one of the most powerful treatments he has encountered in his career. He argued that humans evolved in outdoor environments rather than in structured communities with traffic and artificial lights. Consequently, he supports the medical practice of prescribing time in nature similar to how physicians prescribe medication. When asked if this approach should be standard, Mann said, “I absolutely think we should.”

The physician cited specific physical advantages of sunlight exposure. He noted that sunlight aids in vitamin D development, which he linked to improved cancer rates and decreased infections. Beyond chemical processes, Mann said that exercising outside provides additional physical benefits. He also pointed to extensive research on the psychological effects of being outdoors, arguing that the current high volume of screen time on phones, tablets, and televisions is directly linked to anxiety and other psychological conditions.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, corroborated the need for outdoor exposure. She explained that reduced sunlight leads to lower vitamin D levels, which in turn triggers affective disorders. Rogers described stepping outside as one of the simplest prescriptions available for both the body and the brain.

Mann clarified that the definition of outdoor time is flexible. It can include gardening, mowing a lawn, or sitting on a back porch. He emphasized that these common domestic activities yield the same benefits as more strenuous outdoor pursuits. The doctors presented these findings as part of a holistic health advocacy approach, focusing on accessible daily habits rather than specialized medical interventions.

The discussion took place during an educational segment on the program Aging Untold. The segment included a disclaimer stating that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Viewers were advised to consult a licensed physician for personal medical advice and to seek emergency care if needed. No physician-patient relationship was created by the program or its use.

The source material, provided by Gray Media Group, noted that the information should not be used for diagnosing or treating health problems without professional guidance. The segment highlighted the consensus between Mann and Rogers on the necessity of daily outdoor interaction for maintaining physical and mental well-being in modern settings.