As the Kids Say, “Go Touch Some Grass”

You may have heard the phrase by now - it's become the internet's favourite comeback, thrown at anyone who seems a little too online or a little too deep in an online argument. "Go touch some grass." It's meant as a joke and obviously a bit of a jab. But honestly? The advice itself isn't wrong.

Because somewhere between the scrolling, the notifications and responding to emails at 11pm, we've forgotten what it actually feels like to just be outside. And it turns out, our brains have been asking for this the whole time.

Environmental psychologists have a name for it — Attention Restoration Theory — and the idea is simple: nature gives our overworked, constantly-focused brains a chance to rest without actually shutting off. In fact, studies state that just twenty minutes outside has been shown to lower cortisol levels, improve your attention and focus, improve your mood and sleep, and boost your creativity. Maybe the people on the internet are onto something? Maybe we do need to go touch some grass.

So, let's make it easy. Put the phone in the other room and try one of these:

• Go outside and sit on the ground. Yes, the actual ground. Grass, sand, dirt, doesn't matter.

• Take your tea or coffee outside instead of drinking it at your desk.

• Go for a walk with no destination and no podcast.

• Watch the clouds move for five minutes. Just that.

• Lie down and look up at the trees or the sky.

• Take your shoes off and feel the grass under your feet.

• Sit near water — a pool, a lake, the ocean, even a fountain counts.

• Garden. Get your hands in the soil.

• Watch the sunset without reaching for your phone to photograph it.

• Just stand outside and breathe for a minute before you go back in.

None of these are complicated. None of them need planning. And that's kind of the point, isn’t it? Going back to the basics. Restoration isn't supposed to be another task on your to-do list. So yes, go touch some grass. Your nervous system will thank you.