"Doctors Are Now Prescribing Nature" - Outdoor Spaces & Mental Health with Debbie Laporte

We spend a lot of time on this podcast exploring what's happening on the inside - our thoughts, our nervous system, our stress and worry. But what about the world around us? Today, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by registered landscape architect and founder of Otara, Debbie Laporte, to explore how the spaces we inhabit - especially outdoor spaces - have a profound impact on our mental health and wellbeing.With over twenty years of experience designing school grounds, nature play areas and community environments across Australia and Europe, Debbie brings a fascinating perspective on why so many of us are struggling...and why the answer might be closer than we think.In this conversation, Jodi and Debbie discuss:Why humans are spending more time indoors than ever before, and what that's costing us mentally and emotionallyThe concept of nature deficit disorder and the growing movement of doctors prescribing time in natureWhat nature play actually is (and why it's not just for kids!)The powerful role of choice and risk in play, and what that means for raising resilient childrenSimple, low-cost ways to improve your outdoor spaces so you actually want to use themWhy even five minutes outside can completely reset your mood and productivityWhether you have a big backyard or just a front doorstep, this episode will leave you looking at the spaces around you in a whole new way - and feeling inspired to get outside.Find Debbie and her work at www.orterra.com.au or on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.