Episode Details

Spring is here — and she has something to teach us.

In this episode, Julie  invites you to step outside and experience one of the most powerful, most accessible, and most underrated well-being practices available to us: time in nature. As the season shifts and the world outside our windows begins to wake up again, this is your reminder that nature isn't a luxury — it's medicine. And spring is rolling out the welcome mat.

Drawing on research from positive psychology, environmental science, and neuroscience, Julie explores what actually happens in your brain and body when you get outside — and why even 10 minutes can meaningfully shift your mood, your stress levels, and your sense of connection to something larger than yourself.

In this episode you'll discover:

The Japanese practice of  forest bathing — and its remarkable documented effects on stress hormones, blood pressure, and immune function. What Attention Restoration Theory tells us about why doing "nothing" outside is actually one of the most productive things you can do for your brain. The science of awe — what it is, why nature triggers it so reliably, and why it's so good for your mental and physical health. Why spring sunshine is literally an antidepressant — and the simple vitamin D truth most of us overlook. The positive psychology practice of savoring — and how to bring it into your time outside so you're not just present in nature but truly receiving it.

Your practice this season:

Go outside. On purpose. For at least 10 minutes. Leave your phone behind if you can. Find one thing that makes you go "wow." And let spring welcome you back.

This week's micro-practice — The Spring Noticing Practice: Once a day, for just two or three minutes, go outside and find one sign of spring that wasn't there last week. A bud. A bird. A change in the light. Let it remind you that things are always changing, always growing, always moving toward more life.

Your well-being is the fuel for everything you are and everything you do. Now go outside.

Thank you for listening. We are so happy you found us.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow Nine to Thrive: The Well-Being Podcast so our new episodes are automatically delivered to your favorite podcast feed, and please share it with a friend!

Reviews and ratings matter <3 

We would be so grateful if you left a 5 star rating and a few words about what you liked (or loved) about this episode. 

Want more tools and strategies for thriving and flourishing? 

-Check out Julie’s website and subscribe to her monthly newsletter here

-Follow Julie on Instagram

-Follow her on LinkedIn 

-Interested in working with Julie? Book an inquiry call here