If you’ve been online even once in the past year, you’ve probably seen the phrase “touch grass” thrown around. It’s the internet’s favorite clapback for someone who’s being too online, caught up in some debate, or maybe just needs a reality check. But let’s set aside the meme culture for a second—what does it actually mean to "touch grass," and why should we be taking it seriously?
Beyond the Meme: Real Talk About Getting Outside
In the digital world, “touch grass” has become a quick jab for reminding people to log off, get some perspective, and reconnect with the real world. But this simple act of stepping outside is actually a low-key powerful way to fight burnout, reset your mind, and ground yourself.
For all the talk about self-care, we often focus on things like skincare routines, gym sessions, or meditation apps. And while they all have their place, there’s something insanely refreshing about spending just a few minutes outside, touching real, living, breathing nature. And yeah, this might sound like romanticizing plants, but hear me out—this actually has science behind it.
The Science of Grounding Yourself
There’s this term, “grounding,” which sounds very yoga retreat-y but has real effects on our bodies. Grounding, or “earthing,” is about literally making contact with the earth, whether that’s touching grass, dipping your toes in a lake, or even just leaning against a tree. Studies have shown that this contact can reduce stress, decrease inflammation, and improve our mood. It’s like nature’s version of a recharge button for our minds and bodies.
A quick walk outside or even five minutes of sitting under a tree can help balance cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone), which is a game-changer if you’re juggling work, side hustles, social life, and endless notifications. A recent study even linked spending just two hours a week in nature to higher levels of mental and physical well-being. So if you’re feeling the endless scroll of content fatigue, “touching grass” might be exactly what you need.
Why Gen Z Might Need This the Most
Let's be real—no generation has grown up with the internet quite like Gen Z. We’re the most connected, most online, and arguably the most pressured generation yet. Constant digital immersion comes with its own problems: endless comparisons, burnout, and, let’s face it, a weird kind of detachment from reality. So while it’s a joke to tell someone to “touch grass,” it’s also low-key calling us out on how disconnected we’ve become from actual, physical life.
For a lot of us, stepping outside might feel like a big ask, especially with deadlines and notifications piling up. But a quick escape into nature can actually help reset your brain in ways a screen break or a quick scroll just can’t.
How to Make Touching Grass a Part of Your Routine (Yes, Really)
Here’s the best part: touching grass is free, easy, and doesn’t require a Wi-Fi connection. You don’t need to be an outdoorsy type or even leave the city to do it. Here are some ways to start making “touching grass” a real part of your day:
- Step outside for five minutes each morning: Start small. Walk outside, breathe deeply, and feel the ground under your feet. If you’re in a city, find a park or a patch of green and let it be your “grounding” spot.
- Eat lunch outside: Instead of eating at your desk or rushing through a meal, take your food to a nearby bench or park. A change of scenery can shift your mood and help you feel refreshed for the rest of the day.
- Bring a piece of nature inside: If getting outside isn’t realistic, bring some nature to you. Houseplants are an easy way to bring a bit of the outdoors in, and studies show they can even boost your productivity and focus.
- Plan a “no screen” day in nature: Once a month, dedicate a few hours (or even a whole day) to getting outside with zero screen time. Whether it’s a hike, beach trip, or just chilling in a park, this is about fully recharging away from digital distractions.
Touch Grass, Stay Grounded
“Touch grass” might have started as a meme, but maybe it’s time to take it literally. If you’re looking for a refresh, a simple outdoor break could be one of the most underrated self-care moves you can make. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a doom scroll, step outside, kick off your shoes, and actually touch some grass. You might just find that nature has a way of bringing clarity and calm in a way that nothing else quite can.