From Screen Time to Green Time
Accessibility to adventure is easier than you think
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re just like me. A slave to the cubicle life. Constantly keeping tabs on Outlook emails. You’re almost always glued to your desk. Your eyes strained over your computer monitors. The alert of a Microsoft Teams Meeting notification induces a sweaty panic.
But I’m not here to remind you the societal horrors of “chasing bread”. I’m here to remind you that you should go touch some grass. No, you need to go touch more grass.
Clinical studies have consistently shown numerous benefits of spending time outdoors. From reduced stress and anxiety to increased vitamin D levels and improved cardiovascular health. Hell, I can personally tell you my own sleep quality has drastically increased since I’ve pushed myself to go on more hikes every weekend.
But how do I start, you ask? You’re going to need to do some research. But thankfully, the Internet is here to save the day (again).
Strap in, we’re going grass hunting.
“Grass Hunting”
I know it’s corny, okay? Just embrace the cheesiness for a second. “Grass hunting” is an integral part of your new personal mental health journey to becoming more appreciative of your local outdoors.
Most people fire up Google Maps and just go straight to the search bar, typing in one or two “SEO” words (that’s Search Engine Optimization, in case you didn’t know) and bam you’re given recommendations to choose from.
Let's shatter that routine and venture beyond our comfort zones. It's time to embark on a digital treasure hunt that leads to real-world adventures.
Fire up Google Maps and become an explorer right on your screen. Zoom in, pan around, and seek out those vibrant green patches near you - parks, forests, nature reserves, or even that overgrown lot you've never noticed before. These aren't just pixels on a map; they're your personal invitations to reconnect with nature. Consider this your treasure map to 'touching more grass' and rediscovering the world beyond your usual paths.
Now, ready to turn those virtual green spaces into your next outdoor escapade?
Start by organizing easy, accessible adventures that feel achievable. Suggest a short morning hike at a nearby trail, followed by brunch at a local café if you’re hesitant about trying this on your own. This combines the outdoors with familiar comforts and helps build confidence gradually.
This is the most important part: Be sure to hit the "Save" button on a location of interest and create a custom list to help keep track and organized. Having a custom list of saved locations to fall back on will ensure you will ALWAYS have a plan for any weekend or free time you may have. I started about six months ago with eight locations saved and now I've built up a list of over one hundred... And it's STILL growing!
Having your own Private Google Maps list is a good way of keeping tabs on places of interest and areas you have already explored.
Be sure to check out the reviews left by others but pay the most attention at the descriptions. Depending on what you're looking for, you'll want to keep an eye out for those keywords. If you're looking for wildlife, you want to look for key words like "habitat", "preserve", and of course "wildlife". Swiping through photos also helps give you an idea about what to expect and if you need to consider other factors such as bringing your kids, dogs, elderly, etc.
Pro tip: Consider the dates of reviews, that will give you an insight on the best times and seasons for certain locations.
Of course, you can run generic searches with keywords like "nature preserves" or "kayaking" and Google Maps will give you some recommendations based on locations and reviews (or whatever other filters you may have set up). In my experience, Google isn't always perfect with giving you desired results. I've had more fun and success actually combing over maps and finding hidden gems out in the wilderness this way.
Also, it never hurts to learn more about your local geography!
Tree-t Yourself
Being in nature engages all your senses in a gentle, balanced way. The sound of rustling leaves and flowing water, the fresh smell of pine or earth, the sight of swaying trees and changing light, the feel of a breeze - these natural stimuli help pull your mind away from racing thoughts and into the present moment. Unlike the harsh sensory input of urban environments, nature's patterns are soothing to our nervous system. Consider the following:
The "Soft Fascination" Effect: Nature provides what psychologists call "soft fascination" - things that hold our attention without demanding intense focus. Watching clouds drift by or leaves dance in the wind gives our mind a chance to rest and recover from the directed attention we use for work and daily tasks. This mental restoration helps reduce cognitive fatigue and stress.
Physical Benefits That Boost Mood: When we're in nature, we typically move more and get exposure to natural light. This combination increases endorphins, regulates our circadian rhythm, and boosts vitamin D production - all of which help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety. The negative ions in forest air and near moving water may also have a mild antidepressant effect.
Perspective Shifting: Being in nature, especially in larger landscapes like mountains or forests, helps put our daily worries in perspective. Seeing the vastness of nature or observing its cycles can make our problems feel more manageable and remind us we're part of something larger.
Disconnection from Digital Stress: Nature often forces us to disconnect from devices and constant notifications. This digital detox, even if brief, helps reduce the mental load of always being "on" and available. The contrast with our usual technology-saturated environment can be deeply refreshing.
Biophilic Connection: Throughout our long history as a species, we've been deeply connected to the natural world - it's quite literally in our DNA. For thousands of generations, our ancestors lived in harmony with nature, and our bodies and minds remain beautifully attuned to respond to its rhythms. This ancient connection isn't just poetic - it's practical. Studies show that even brief moments in nature can lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, reduce blood pressure, and boost immune function, all contributing to better mental health. It's as if our bodies recognize nature as home, responding to its presence with a deep sense of wellness and calm.
Research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that watching sunsets triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the "feel-good hormone," which helps reduce stress and anxiety. The study showed that people who regularly watched sunsets reported lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and improved mood.
Chances are you’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, maybe staring at screens all day, shoulders tense from deadlines and responsibilities. Now imagine stepping onto a quiet trail, where sunlight filters through leaves and a gentle breeze carries the scent of pine. With each step on the soft earth, you can actually feel the weight of the week starting to lift.
This isn't just a nice image – it's a real reset button for your mind and body. When you're in nature, your senses engage with gentle, natural rhythms instead of harsh notifications and artificial lights. The simple act of watching leaves dance in the wind or listening to a stream flow gives your mind permission to slow down and rest. Your body instinctively relaxes as it recognizes patterns it evolved with for thousands of years.
You don't need to plan an epic adventure or buy expensive gear. Even a 30-minute walk in your local park can lower stress hormones, ease muscle tension, and help clear mental fog. Nature doesn't demand anything from you – no emails to answer, no decisions to make. It just invites you to be present, to breathe deeper, to move at your own pace.
Think of spending time outdoors as giving yourself permission to recharge. Your mind needs these breaks from constant stimulation just like your body needs rest after exercise. The trees, sky, and earth have been offering this refuge to humans for generations. Maybe it's time to accept their invitation?
Start small this weekend. Find a nearby trail, pack some water and a snack, and just walk. Notice how different you feel afterward – how your thoughts might be clearer, your shoulders lighter, your perspective refreshed. Your mind and body will thank you for this gift of natural restoration.
Give this a shot and let me know what you find out there!
