Sir David Attenborough, the celebrated naturalist and broadcaster, recently shared an uncomplicated but powerful tip to help people reconnect with nature—and improve their health in the process. At 99 years old, Attenborough revealed his personal approach during a 2021 episode of the podcast “Call Of The Wild,” emphasizing that it only takes ten minutes.
“Sit down. Don’t move,” he advised podcast host Cel Spellman. “Keep quiet. Wait ten minutes. You’ll be very surprised if something pretty interesting didn’t happen. Doing that in a woodland, if you haven’t done it, it’s extraordinary. Don’t get too impatient, either.”
Though seemingly simple, this mindful pause in nature aligns with growing scientific evidence highlighting the health benefits of spending time outdoors. A 2020 study from Cornell University found that just ten minutes daily in natural environments helped students reduce both physical and mental stress. This has propelled ‘nature therapy’ as an effective alternative for managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
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Associate Professor Gen Meredith, commenting on the study, said, “It doesn’t take much time for the positive benefits to kick in — we’re talking 10 minutes outside in a space with nature. We believe every student, regardless of workload, has that much discretionary time each day or at least a few times per week.” She also emphasized redefining what counts as nature, noting it includes “trees, a planter with flowers, a grassy quad, or a wooded area.”
Reducing stress in this way not only enhances mental wellbeing but also supports physical health by lowering blood pressure, improving sleep quality, and strengthening the immune system. Professor Heather Eliassen of Harvard University explains that these benefits can decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease remains a major health crisis, accounting for a quarter of all UK deaths—one every three minutes, according to the British Heart Foundation. Professor Eliassen further noted, “Evidence is accumulating that exposure to green space is associated with lower total mortality. Better mental health and lower risk of psychiatric disorders with more green space exposure has been observed for both children and adults.”
In addition to his nature advice, Attenborough follows a largely plant-based diet and has significantly reduced his red meat consumption. Reflecting a shift aligned with growing research on diet and health, he told The Sun in 2017, “I have certainly changed my diet. Not in a great sort of dramatic way. But I don’t think I’ve eaten red meat for months. I do eat cheese, I have to say, and I eat fish. But by and large, I’ve become much more vegetarian over the past few years than I thought I would ever be.”
By integrating simple practices like spending ten quiet minutes in nature with mindful dietary choices, Attenborough’s approach offers a practical blueprint toward better health and a deeper connection with the world around us.