Why "Touching Grass" Is Actually Good for Your Mental Health
"Go touch grass."
It's become a popular phrase online, usually meant as a joke or a way of telling someone they've spent too much time on the internet.
We spend so much of our lives inside, working, doomscrolling, answering emails, and watching TV, that it's easy to lose touch with what's happening around us and within us. When life feels overwhelming, our instinct is often to reach for another distraction.
According to National Geographic, "touching grass" is really about stepping away from the digital world and reconnecting with the real one. Research has shown that spending time in nature can lower stress, improve mood, restore attention, and support our physical health.
Maybe it's sitting outside with your morning coffee, taking your dog for a walk without your phone, tending to a garden, or feeling the sun on your face after a long day. As you notice the breeze, the sound of birds, or the grass beneath your feet, you're giving your nervous system a chance to slow down.
Researchers believe that nature helps reduce the mental fatigue that comes from constantly processing information and making decisions. It also gives our brains a break from the overstimulation that has become a normal part of daily life. Even a short walk down the block or 15 minutes sitting outside can leave you feeling more grounded and refreshed.
If you're someone who struggles with anxiety, chronic stress, or feeling disconnected from yourself, spending time outside isn't a cure. It can, however, be a powerful resource. Think of it as one small way to support your nervous system throughout your everyday life.
So the next time you catch yourself endlessly scrolling on TikTok or feeling mentally stuck, consider taking a different kind of break. Step outside, take a slow breath, notice what's around you, and maybe, touch some grass.
Sources
Camero, K. (2025, May 8). Nat Geo's Ultimate Guide to "Touching Grass." National Geographic.https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/touch-grass-mental-health-outdoors
Jimenez, M. P., et al. (2021). Associations Between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9), 4790.
Sincerely,
Kirsten