In recent years, the phrase “go touch grass” has gone viral on social media platforms, evolving from Gen Z’s favorite online insult into an unexpectedly effective piece of wellness advice. What began as a tongue-in-cheek way to tell someone to step away from digital disputes and reclaim perspective now carries new weight, as scientists worldwide have increasingly found that reconnecting with the natural world can significantly combat the effects of modern burnout and mental fatigue (VegOutMag).
This shift in attitudes—backed by cross-disciplinary research—comes at a critical juncture. In an age when most people spend the majority of their lives indoors, tethered to screens for work, socialization, and entertainment, stress and burnout are skyrocketing globally and in Thailand alike. According to a systematic review published in January 2025, nature exposure is now recognized as having a significant positive impact on individual mental health, with measurable reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms (National Library of Medicine).
The rise of “eco-prescriptions” signals a turning point not just for individuals seeking balance, but for the broader healthcare field. Earlier this year, numerous Thai clinicians and public health officials began advocating for practical lifestyle modifications that incorporate regular nature exposure—sometimes literally writing “spend time in the park three times a week” on prescription pads. As one Bangkok-based psychiatrist affiliated with Mahidol University explains, “Evidence for nature-based interventions is now robust enough that they should be considered alongside more traditional modes of therapy for burnout and mild mental health complaints.”
Historically, the idea of nature as medicine is not new. Rooted in Thai culture are centuries-old traditions of using green spaces, water bodies, and even temple gardens for contemplation and healing. Yet, the contemporary science illuminating how nature affects the brain offers fresh insight. A widely-cited University of Michigan study confirms that merely looking at nature—through a window or video—improves working memory performance, while exposure to cityscapes doesn’t elicit the same effect. Notably, these benefits manifest regardless of the weather, enjoyment levels, or a person’s self-professed affinity for the outdoors. “It’s not about becoming a ’nature person;’ it’s about giving your brain what it has evolved to need,” observes a neuropsychologist from Chulalongkorn University.
Key to these effects are natural fractals—irregular patterns found in leaves, clouds, and riverbeds—which have been shown to trigger alpha brain waves associated with calm and flow states. In contrast, urban environments with repetitive geometric structures lack these soothing stimuli. Japanese research on “forest bathing” (Shinrin-Yoku) further uncovered that trees emit phytoncides—airborne compounds that, when inhaled, boost immune cell activity for up to 30 days post-exposure (Wikipedia). This is not mere alternative medicine, but hard biochemistry in action.
For urban dwellers in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket, such findings are especially poignant. Modern Thai life has grown increasingly urbanized; according to 2023 statistics, over 55% of Thais now live in cities, many spending 90% of their time indoors. The World Health Organization recently issued warnings about the global “nature deficit,” correlating declines in outdoor activity with rising rates of chronic diseases and psychological distress.
Yet, implementation is not without challenges. Many workers and students report difficulty making time for outdoor recreation amidst long commutes, overtime work, and family responsibilities. Interestingly, a pivotal recent study found that the greatest improvements in well-being were not necessarily linked to spending more time outdoors, but to developing mindful awareness of nature in everyday life. Participants instructed to simply notice the trees on their commute, the birds on a powerline, or weeds sprouting from the pavement reported significant boosts in mood and life satisfaction—even if they didn’t spend more time outside (Medical Xpress).
The Thai Education Ministry, in collaboration with leading universities, has recognized this research by rolling out pilot programs that encourage students to engage with school gardens and community parks. Teachers in Bangkok’s Ladkrabang district attest that short breaks for outdoor observation and game-play have improved students’ focus and reduced classroom behavioral problems. Similar well-being initiatives are now being adopted across major Thai corporations, as human resource departments integrate lunchtime “walk and notice” sessions to address workplace stress.
Despite these promising trends, experts urge caution against treating nature as a cure-all. Thai clinicians point out that ecosystem interventions should supplement—not replace—clinical treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, or ADHD. “Access to green space is vital, but it won’t solve structural problems in work culture or mental health care,” notes a medical director at Siriraj Hospital. Still, there is little doubt that accessible, public parks and urban green zones will be central to Bangkok’s post-pandemic recovery and collective resilience.
Crucially, Thailand’s Buddhist heritage offers fertile ground for these developments. Concepts of mindfulness, present-moment awareness, and respect for the Earth are deeply woven into spiritual practice. Many urban temples maintain sacred groves or “boon khao” where locals are invited to stroll, meditate, and enjoy a moment of calm. A Buddhist scholar at a leading Bangkok temple observes, “Our grandparents knew that walking barefoot on the earth—contact with ‘pah,’ or forest—helped settle the mind and spirit. Now science explains why.”
Looking ahead, urban planners across Southeast Asia are rethinking city design in response to these health revelations. Bangkok’s recent initiative to expand Lumphini Park and create green corridors to reduce the “heat island” effect is one such project informed by the new data. Researchers are also studying the impact of virtual nature—from screensavers to VR headsets—where access to true wilderness is limited, though emerging evidence suggests real-world contact remains optimal (nature.com).
For individual Thais, the lessons are straightforward and actionable: green therapy is available not just in Khao Yai or Doi Inthanon, but in the city’s pocket parks, potted plants, temple courtyards, and even the view from a window. The most critical step is not the distance traveled, but the attention paid—turning a distracted stroll into a moment of mindful connection. Experts recommend aiming for at least 10–20 minutes in nature three or more times per week, but emphasize that frequent “micro-breaks” to simply notice green spaces can be powerful for urban residents and students alike.
Ultimately, “go touch grass” is more than a trendy meme; it is a succinct summarization of what a fast-growing body of research confirms: humans need contact with the living world to thrive. For Thailand—a nation balancing rapid modernization with a rich natural and spiritual heritage—the call to reconnect with nature offers both a scientific and cultural remedy for the pressures of 21st-century life.
Thai readers are encouraged to seek out moments with nature: take lunch outdoors, plant a balcony herb, notice the birdsong in their neighborhood, or stroll through a local park on the weekend. Policy-makers and urban developers should prioritize accessible, green public spaces as an investment in national mental health. For families and schools, integrating outdoor mindfulness activities can foster resilience in young Thais facing a high-tech, high-pressure future. And for all, the next time an online spat threatens to consume your attention, remember: the grass is indifferent to your notifications, and it might be exactly what you need right now.
Sources: VegOutMag, Medical Xpress, National Library of Medicine, Wikipedia - Nature Therapy, nature.com, University of Utah Health