On April 22, 1970, Americans celebrated the first official Earth Day.
The holiday serves as a dual reminder to appreciate the planet’s beauty and commit to its preservation.
And for many, that starts with a simple, modern mandate: “touch grass.”
What does it mean to ‘touch grass’?
The phrase has become a staple for younger demographics, for whom nine hours of daily smartphone use is the norm.
Regardless of our age, social media often pulls us in until we are trapped in a cycle of “doomscrolling” — another modern shorthand (much like “touching grass”) popularized by journalist Karen K. Ho.
Merriam-Webster defines the phrase ‘touch grass’ as participating in normal activities in the real world especially as opposed to online experiences and interactions.
It implies that when someone spends too much time on their phone or playing video games, they need to get outside and reconnect with the world around them.
Even Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has entered the fray, calling social media a “cancer” in a video posted on X late last year — a move described as a “scathing takedown of social media giants,” as reported by the Deseret News.
“This is your sign to log off and touch grass,” Cox wrote in the caption.
BYU’s Bear offers a local example
Others refer to it as grounding.
Many professionals argue that the physical act of walking barefoot may actually foster greater emotional well-being.
On any given Saturday night during football season, BYU’s starting quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, can be seen walking onto the turf barefoot.
The grass roots of ‘touching grass’
The Associated Press states that the idea has been around for well over a century, beginning with a 19th-century German Catholic priest who promoted barefoot walking to stimulate circulation and support overall health.
His philosophy inspired barefoot trails across Europe and the United States.
The practice of walking barefoot can “transform a routine walk into an immersive experience,” in the words of Kelvin Chan and Cheyanne Mumphrey, that brings people “down to earth” — hence why it’s called grounding.
Finding your footing: Easy ways to get started
If the idea of hiking barefoot feels a step too far, don’t worry — there are simpler ways to “touch grass.”
You could visit a local park, start a garden, or even enjoy a bonfire with friends.
The key is to leave your phone behind and enjoy the fresh air. Taking your shoes off is an added benefit.
National Geographic recommends simple actions like placing a potted plant on your desk or looking up at the night sky.
On a day dedicated to the preservation of our world, there is perhaps no more sincere tribute than to kick off our shoes and reconnect with the the beautiful planet beneath our feet.