What started as a cheeky internet insult, ‘go touch grass’ has turned into a surprisingly solid piece of life advice – because, let’s be honest, we could all use more nature in our lives.
Picture this: you’re deep in an online debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza when suddenly someone tells you to ‘go touch grass.’ What?
What does ‘go touch grass’ mean?
The phrase is the online version of a reality check – a way of telling someone they need to step away from the screen and experience life beyond WiFi. It’s often aimed at those who seem overly invested in online debates, gaming or internet drama, implying that a bit of fresh air might help restore some perspective.
But what is the origin of the phrase? And is there any wisdom behind it?
Although it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where it started, touch grass has been floating around platforms like Reddit, TikTok and X for several years.
Influencers and celebrities have helped to make the phrase mainstream. When asked about fan boundaries during an interview, American actress Rachel Zegler clapped back at online trolls, saying they need to “touch some grass”.
Meanwhile, clothing brand Collina Strada called its latest collection Touch Grass – and interpreted the name literally. During New York Fashion Week, models strutted down a grassy knoll in the East Village, one pushing a lawnmower while another threw handfuls of sod.
The launch of Collina Strada’s Touch Grass collection in New York
The famously quirky brand wanted to provide some levity during turbulent times and turned to nature for inspiration, designer Hillary Taymour told Vogue.
“There’s a lot of chaotic energy with everything that’s happening on the planet … I’m just trying to be grateful that I have a small, healthy business; trying to find inner peace, keep a smile on my face and not get overwhelmed,” she said.
Why we should touch grass
The feeling of peace Taymour refers to is backed by science supporting the health benefits of nature. Globally, people look at screens for an average of almost seven hours a day. Among Gen Z-ers, the average is nine hours. That’s a lot of browsing, scrolling, streaming and commenting.
But here’s the kicker: spending just minutes in nature can have powerful effects on our mental and physical health. In Japan, there’s even a term for it. Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the act of immersing yourself in nature. It has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and improve overall well-being.
Does literally touching grass help? Surprisingly, yes. There’s a practice called grounding, where physically connecting to the earth – barefoot on grass or hands in the green stuff – can have calming effects on the nervous system. But you don’t have to limit yourself to grass. Spending time in any natural setting counts. Think of jogging in a park, hiking a trail or simply tending plants on a balcony.
Photo: Tobias Nicolai / Connected Archives
Basically, any activity that gets you outside and interacting with nature qualifies as touching grass.
There’s another major perk of stepping outside: it makes you care more about the environment. Studies show that people who regularly spend time in nature are more likely to adopt eco-friendly habits. These include recycling, reducing waste and supporting conservation efforts.
By experiencing the beauty of the natural world first hand, we are reminded why protecting it matters.
Photo: Alex Cretey Systermans / Connected Archives
Nature: the ultimate reset button
While touch grass may have started as an internet meme, it’s actually solid life advice. The digital world can do without us for a while, but we can’t do without the natural world. Whether it’s taking a walk or just sitting under a tree, reconnecting with nature is good for our health.
So, the next time you find yourself in a social media spiral or gaming marathon, take the hint. Log off, step outside and, yes, touch grass. Your brain and body will thank you.
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