Your phone has been in your hand most of the day. So has ours. And according to gerontologist Sam Cradduck, all that information overload is taking a real toll on our mental health. Her prescription is refreshingly simple: get outside. Research shows time in nature can ease symptoms of depression, stress, and ADHD, and Cradduck argues that human history was built around nature, not pavement and concrete.
The best part is how low the bar is. You don’t need a wilderness trail or a famous park. Cradduck says not everybody has the chance to hike in the mountains, but everybody has the chance to step outside. Sunlight and fresh air help reset the body’s rhythms, and even a few minutes can shift your mood. The Tomlinson family has made outdoor time a daily routine, rain or shine.
Here on the Suncoast, we’re surrounded by opportunities. A sunrise walk on the beach, a few minutes on the lanai, a bike ride before the afternoon storms build. Small habits, real benefits, zero cost. So what’s your favorite outdoor spot close to home? Tell us on social media and we might share it on air.
