touch grass
idiomatic phrase

- used on the Internet to tell someone to disconnect digitally and go outside


- to participate in normal activities in the real world, especially as opposed to online experiences and interactions

Hootsuite, Merriam-Webster

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PHRASE ORIGIN

The phrase "touch grass" has its origins in online gaming and internet culture. It began as a form of internet slang, where people engaged in heated online arguments or obsessively spent time in virtual spaces were humorously or mockingly told to "touch grass"—meaning they should step away from their screens, go outside, and reconnect with reality.

Its use grew in gaming and meme communities and has expanded to broader online discourse as a lighthearted or sometimes condescending way of telling people to take a break from their digital environment.

By the early 2020s, the phrase gained even more traction, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when many people were confined to their homes and became increasingly dependent on digital communication and entertainment. It now serves as a broader reminder to strike a balance between online and offline life.

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SHINRIN-YOKU “FOREST BATHING”

Shinrin-yoku is a Japanese practice that involves immersing oneself in nature, particularly in forest environments, to promote physical and mental well-being. The term literally means "taking in the forest atmosphere" or "forest bathing." It was developed in the 1980s as part of Japan’s national public health programme, driven by concerns about increasing urbanization and the fast-paced modern lifestyle.

The practice encourages individuals to engage all their senses while in a natural environment, allowing for a deeper connection to the surroundings. Over the years, scientific studies have shown that forest bathing can have a range of benefits, including:


1. Reducing stress: Studies show that spending time in nature reduces cortisol levels, a stress hormone.

2. Boosting immune function: The essential oils released by trees, known as phytoncides, have been found to enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which play a role in fighting infections and cancer.

3. Improving mood: Forest bathing has been linked to reduced anxiety, depression, and an overall improvement in mood.

4. Enhancing focus and cognition: Time in nature is known to restore cognitive functions, improving concentration and mental clarity.

5. Lowering blood pressure and heart rate: Forest immersion has been shown to promote cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and heart rate.

Shinrin-yoku doesn't require a specific forest or a set time period. It can be done in any green space, and the goal is not to exercise vigorously but rather to slow down and be fully present in the forest. Walking at a gentle pace, pausing to observe the surroundings, listening to the sounds of nature, and breathing deeply are all encouraged. The practice is rooted in mindfulness, which means staying in the moment and engaging with the natural world.

Although shinrin-yoku originated in Japan, the practice has spread worldwide, influencing wellness movements, nature therapy programs, and even healthcare systems in various countries. Many forest therapy guides and certified programs have emerged, particularly in countries such as South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Forest bathing resonates very nicely with today’s OWAD “touching grass”.

Enjoy!

Paul & Helga Smith

Sources:
- National Library of Medicine - Benefits of Forest Bathing: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5580555/
- 4 Phytoncides Benefits: How Trees Improve Our Health: https://environment.co/phytoncides-benefits/

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SYNONYMS

for “connected with nature”

a breath of fresh air, at one with nature, back to the roots, (the earth), close to the earth (the land), connection to mother earth (mother nature,  nature, connection to the earth, connection to the environment, the natural world, wildlife), earth child, earth-friendly, earthy, eco-conscious (-friendly), ecological, environmentally aware, feeling for nature, forest bathing, getting back to nature, grounded in nature, in communion/harmony/touch/tune with nature, living off the land, mindful of the earth, nature lover, naturecentric, naturephile, one with the earth, organic lifestyle, outdoorsy, return to nature (to the roots), rooted in nature, the great outdoors, TOUCHING GRASS, tree hugger, wild at heart

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

“I’ve been feeling a lot better since TOUCHING GRASS every day,… for me that means forest bathing.”

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