Touch Grass, Literally

Remember when you were a kid and being outside wasn’t something you had to do—it was just what you did?

Somewhere along the way, we traded fresh air for filtered air, recess for reply-all, and sunshine for screen glare. We work indoors, exercise indoors, relax indoors—and then wonder why we feel stuck.

Here’s the thing: going outside isn’t just a break. It’s medicine.

What the Research Says

Time in nature has real, measurable effects on your body and brain. And you don’t have to be camping in the wilderness to see the benefits.

A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that spending just 20 minutes in nature significantly reduces cortisol levels—your body’s primary stress hormone.
The Mayo Clinic reports that time outdoors can boost mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve focus, and even enhance memory and sleep quality.
A 2021 analysis from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health linked time spent in “green spaces” with better overall life satisfaction, including improved immune function and lower rates of chronic disease.

(Mayo Clinic)
(Frontiers in Psychology)
(IJERPH Study)

In other words: being outside doesn’t just feel good—it is good.

You Don’t Need a Forest. You Just Need a Step

You don’t have to go on a multi-day hike to get the benefits of nature. You just have to step outside—and notice it.

Start with:

• Eating your lunch on a porch or park bench
• Standing in the sun between meetings
• Walking a block before or after your workday
• Leaving your phone behind for a few minutes

Nature doesn’t ask for your productivity. It doesn’t ask you to be “on.” It just lets you be. And that might be the healthiest thing you do all week. Remember, it’s not fluff-it’s fuel!

This Week’s Nudge

Block 15 minutes in your calendar—yes, actually put it on your calendar—and step outside. No headphones. No screens. Just light, air, and whatever’s growing near you.

You can return to the inbox later. For now? Touch grass.