Go Outside. Hug Some Trees. Touch Grass: Reconnecting with Nature in the Corporate World
Dana Pika Žigon, 20.3.2025
If you're part of Generation Z, or familiar with their culture, you’ve probably heard the phrase "touch grass" thrown around - often used to call out someone who's too caught up in their screens, endlessly “doomscrolling” and losing touch with reality. It’s an invitation to step away from the digital chaos and reconnect with the natural world; a message that resonates deeply in an era of constant connectivity.
The term “tree-hugger” has often been used in a derogatory way to poke fun at people who are overly enthusiastic about nature. However, as with “touch grass,” there’s something undeniably healthy about this connection to nature, whether it’s figurative or literal. Let’s explore why spending time outdoors, engaging with trees, and even touching grass are practices that can genuinely improve our well-being, especially for those in corporate environments.
Nature as a Lifestyle, Not Just a Break
“This lifestyle shift doesn’t mean you need to become a “tree-hugger.” It’s about balancing your digital life with physical and mental rejuvenation”
In the corporate world, long hours in front of screens are the norm, leading to burnout and stress. But nature isn’t just something you visit on breaks- it’s a lifestyle. Research shows that spending time outdoors can improve cognitive function, reduce anxiety, and enhance creativity. Integrating outdoor time into your daily routine, not just during work breaks, helps reset your mind, improve focus, and boost productivity.
This lifestyle shift doesn’t mean you need to become a “tree-hugger.” It’s about balancing your digital life with physical and mental rejuvenation. For example, taking regular walks, adding plants to your workspace, or simply being mindful of the natural world around you can help restore your energy and foster clearer thinking.
Quintaum’s Role: Supporting Well-being Through Data
At Quintaum, we recognize the importance of overall employee well-being. Our focus on employee data analytics, through surveys and insights, helps companies understand the balance their teams need to perform at their best. While we don’t advocate for outdoor breaks alone, we believe that fostering a workplace culture that supports mental health and productivity, through nature engagement and beyond, is essential to employee success.
Conclusion
"Go outside. Hug some trees. Touch grass." These phrases aren’t just playful trends - they carry a deeper truth: reconnecting with nature is essential for long-term well-being. For professionals, integrating outdoor moments into daily life can boost productivity, creativity, and mental clarity. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by your screen, step outside, take a deep breath, and embrace the rejuvenating power of nature.
