Northern Latitudes (Archive)

Nature as Nurture — Dr. Melissa Lem

The holiday season can be a time of connection and celebration—but it can also bring stress, exhaustion, and a sense of overload.

In this archival episode of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault revisits a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Melissa Lem, family physician and a leading Canadian advocate for nature-based health. Drawing on the concept of Nature as Nurture, Dr. Lem explains how spending time outdoors—especially during the darker, colder months—can support mental well-being, reduce stress, and help regulate our nervous systems.

This episode explores why nature isn’t just a backdrop to our lives, but an essential form of care—particularly during the holiday season, when expectations r ...