Touch Grass: A Call to Reconnect

Have You Ever Been Told to “Touch Grass”?

This playful phrase originated on social media and is a way of reminding someone that while the online world may be engaging, it is important to take time away from the internet by stepping outside and reconnecting with our natural world so that we can find balance and perspective.

Why Do We Need to Be Reminded to Touch Grass?

Advertisers have learned how to monetize our attention and turn it into a commodity, which is something called the “attention economy”. By using the internet, advertisers can vie for our attention by exploiting our deeply rooted psychology. For example, our “will for novelty” is a concept that describes our evolutionary need to seek new things in order to expand our resources. By constantly showing us new or unfamiliar things, advertisers are able to capture our attention. Advertisers also play on our evolutionary drive to pay attention to things that make us fearful. Fear reduces our sense of survival, so it’s natural that we pay attention to things that cause us distress or could be threatening to us. Advertisers know this, so they use inflammatory language and images to keep us engaged. It can feel difficult and even destabilizing to pull ourselves away from the online world, so having reminders of the importance of re-engaging with the real world is paramount to our mental health. 

What Are the Psychological Benefits of Going Outdoors?

There is robust research to show that spending time online can contribute to anxiety, depression, loneliness, a distorted sense of reality, and decreased self-esteem. When we remove ourselves from the online world and go outside, we may notice a decrease in stress, a peaceful feeling of groundedness, and an increase in creativity. 

Touching grass can refer to simple and easily accessible outdoor activities such as going outside for a brief walk, sitting on a park bench, gardening, or hiking through the woods. Simply enjoying the calming effects of fresh air, sunlight, and natural sounds can reduce the feelings of anxiety, tension, and exhaustion. When we embrace the stillness of just being in nature, we can allow our minds to rest, to be fully present, and to ground ourselves into what is important to us individually. Whether you’re admiring a blooming flower, listening to the rustle of leaves, or gazing at a sunset, these moments of awe help us reconnect with the present.

How to Find Novelty Outdoors in the Springtime.

Humans are evolutionarily wired to seek novelty, and when we are online, that novelty is given to us directly. When we are in nature, seeking novelty can take a little bit more focused attention and effort as it is something that we have to learn to notice ourselves. By going outside regularly, we will begin to notice the cyclical changes that are happening outside and become excited by it’s novelty. 

March is the beginning of spring, which means there are many new aspects of nature that can be observed and enjoyed. Spring is a time of growth after a period of dormancy. In spring, we have the privilege to notice spring ephemerals, which are plants and flowers that emerge at the beginning of spring and only last for a short period of time. These plants let us know that spring has begun and can give us a sense of hope, renewal and new beginnings. Hunting for spring ephemerals such as daffodils, trout lilies, crocuses, and trilliums can help us fill in our need for novelty when we are offline. 

Spring is also a time of rain, which means that mushrooms are soon to follow. When we spend time outside, we will notice that mushrooms often appear after a rain. Searching for mushrooms to admire (not to eat) can also satisfy our need for novelty when we are outside. To make it more fun, you might enjoy identifying mushrooms with a field guide, and taking pictures to catalog what you find. 

Conclusion

The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or mentally drained, remember the power of nature. Take a step outside, breathe deeply, and allow yourself to “touch grass”. Whether you’re exploring a trail, relaxing by the water, or simply sitting under a tree, nature has a way of offering peace and clarity that the online world simply can’t match. 

Remember: Sometimes, the best way to find your mental peace is to get outside and enjoy what’s right in front of you 🌿