325: NatureDose: Can Tracking Time Outdoors Improve Mental Health?

How much time in nature do we need to improve our mental health? And how can we track and quantify our exposure to it?  In this episode, Will speaks with NatureQuant co-founder and CEO Jared Hanley about the science of nature exposure and its relationship to stress, mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Jared explains how NatureQuant uses satellite imagery and data science to measure health-supporting nature through NatureScore, while its free NatureDose app tracks the time people spend outdoors and in natural environments. Jared discusses why even a 20-minute nature break may be beneficial, what emerging research suggests about spending up to 300–400 minutes in nature each week, and how nature prescriptions could become part of routine mental healthcare. The conversation also explores America's growing "nature deficit," equitable access to parks and urban tree cover, data privacy, AI-powered health coaching, and NatureQuant's vision of making nature exposure a standard health measurement alongside exercise, sleep, and heart rate. This podcast is supported by the White Mountain Adventure Institute (WMAI.org), where Dr. Will White helps individuals, leaders, and organizations navigate growth, change, and life transitions through coaching, consulting, and retreats.