Why "touching grass" is Gen Z's answer to overstimulation

Would you believe me if I told you there’s an app launching soon that literally forces you to physically touch grass? No, seriously—you have to record a video of yourself actually making contact with human nature before it unlocks your other applications. I know it sounds extreme, but for a generation practically raised on screens, overstimulation is practically a personality trait.  

For someone who is extremely chronically online, stepping away from my phone feels borderline impossible. There’s always another unhinged Reddit thread to fall into, another group chat sending 50 messages explaining their lore, or another hyper-specific internet drama that we need to be briefed on. 

That’s exactly where the phrase “touching grass” comes in—both as an internet joke and a genuine antidote to digital burnout. Originally an X (formerly known as Twitter) insult that was aimed at those who are too online, the phrase has evolved into a broader rallying cry for stepping outside, quite literally, to regain some semblance of reality. But at its core, touching grass isn’t just about physically interacting with nature; it’s also about unplugging from the relentless stream of content and overstimulation that defines Gen Z’s digital existence. 

The psychological impact of overstimulation

Studies show that prolonged screen exposure and constant digital engagement can lead to heightened stress levels, decreased attention spans, and even multiple symptoms of depression and anxiety. This constant influx of information forces our cognitive systems to work overtime, leading to emotional dysregulation and mental exhaustion. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that excessive social media use can contribute to cognitive fatigue—a state where the brain struggles to process and filter information efficiently, making it harder for individuals to focus. This overload impairs our ability to focus on tasks, increases impulsivity, and makes emotional regulation more difficult. Instead of processing emotions healthily, we might find ourselves doomscrolling or seeking more stimulation as a coping mechanism, creating a vicious cycle of digital dependency.

On the flip side, multiple studies even confirm that spending time taking a walk or being around nature has tangible psychological benefits. Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (ART) proposes that exposure to nature is not only enjoyable but can also help us improve our focus and ability to concentrate, lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and enhance our mood. Another study by the University of Exeter found that people who spend at least two hours a week in green spaces report significantly better mental health and overall life satisfaction. 

Grounding through nature

Touching grass, technically, is a form of grounding, a psychological technique that is used to bring the mind back to its present moment. These techniques are often used in therapy to manage stress, anxiety, and dissociation by engaging the five senses—sight, touch, taste, sound, and smell—to reconnect back to reality. And nature happens to be one of the most effective ways to do it. 

Instead of just being glued to your phone and doomscrolling for hours on end, stepping outside and actively engaging with the environment can help break this cycle of overstimulation. This practice, if done regularly, shifts the attention away from the overwhelming digital noise, refocusing on the physical world, creating a sensory reset. 

How to actually “touch grass” (and make it work for you)

Even though sometimes stepping outside feels like an unnecessary effort, especially when bed rotting is your default state, there are multiple ways to make this trend more appealing and, dare I say, enjoyable. 

1. Romanticise the experience

If we can romanticise a 12-step skincare routine, we can romanticise a walk in the park. Psychologists often talk about positive reframing, a cognitive-behavioural technique that helps shift our perspective on mundane activities. Instead of thinking of going outside as a task, treat it like a self-care ritual. 

2. Stack it with another habit

Habit stacking is a psychological trick developed by behavioural scientist BJ Fogg, which involves pairing a new habit with an existing one to make it stick. If your screen time is off the charts, make it a rule that you can only scroll TikTok while walking in a garden. The brain thrives on routine, and by linking an existing habit with time outside, you’re reinforcing it neurologically.

3. Make it social

Social connection is a key predictor of mental well-being, and according to the Social Baseline Theory, our stress levels significantly decrease when we engage in activities with others. Instead of a coffee shop catch-up, go on a run or a walk with your friends. Being outdoors in a group not only helps with accountability but also makes it easier to stay present and engaged.

4. Incorporate a grounding activity 

If aimlessly wandering outside doesn’t excite you, incorporating a grounding activity—a psychological technique used to reduce anxiety—can help. Journaling, sketching, reading a book, or even barefoot grounding (which some studies suggest can reduce cortisol levels) can make the experience feel more intentional. Engaging your senses through tactile experiences like feeling the grass, hearing birds, or noticing the scent of fresh air helps redirect focus away from anxious thoughts and overstimulation.

5. It's okay to start small 

Cognitive Load Theory suggests that when we introduce big lifestyle changes all at once, they can feel overwhelming and unsustainable. Instead of attempting a full digital detox, start with just five to ten minutes of outdoor time a day. Sit on a park bench, take a quick stroll, or just stand outside and breathe deeply. Exposure therapy research even suggests that repeated small interactions with a feared or avoided experience (in this case, being offline) can help rewire the brain to make it feel less uncomfortable over time.

Lead Image: Netflix

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