ADHD and the Allure of the Outdoors

About this episode

This episode explores how time in nature can support focus, calm, and emotional regulation for people with ADHD.

In this episode, we are joined by developmental pediatrician Mark Bertin and meditation teacher Mark Coleman to explore how time in nature can support focus, calm, and emotional regulation for people with ADHD. They discuss why outdoor environments naturally engage the ADHD brain, how sensory experiences like sound, movement, and light help regulate attention, and what research tells us about the mental health benefits of spending time outside. The conversation also highlights simple ways to bring nature into daily life, even for those living in cities or with limited access to green space. From mindful meandering and vigorous walks to gardening and small daily rituals, this episode offers practical ideas for reconnecting with the outdoors. As both guests emphasize throughout the conversation, the most powerful step is simply to go outside. Mark Bertin, MD, is a developmental pediatrician in private practice in Pleasantville, New York. He is the author of books that integrate mindfulness into the rest of evidence-based pediatric care, including How Children Thrive, The Family ADHD Solution, Mindful Parenting for ADHD, and Mindfulness and Self-Compassion for Teen ADHD, and a…

People in this episode

Guests: Mark Bertin, Mark Coleman

Topics covered

• ADHD
• nature
• mental health
• mindfulness
• emotional regulation

Keywords

• outdoor environments
• sensory experiences
• attention regulation
• mental health benefits
• mindful meandering

Mentioned in this episode

Products: How Children Thrive, The Family ADHD Solution, Mindful Parenting for ADHD, Mindfulness and Self-Compassion for Teen ADHD

Books & works: Mindful Parenting for ADHD, Teaching Mindfulness Skills, Awake in the Wild, Make Peace With Your Mind, From Suffering to Peace, A Field Guide to Nature Meditation: 52 Mindfulness Practices for Joy, Wisdom, and Wonder—

Places: Pleasantville, New York, Europe, the United States, Sausalito, Marin County, California

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