A new survey of 2,000 employed adults revealed that workplace stress is taking its toll, leaving many unable to switch off after work. From challenging colleagues and looming deadlines to excessive workloads, a staggering 79% of employees expressed the need for downtime to decompress before they can enjoy their evenings, with an average destress time of 25 minutes. Beyond the pressure of tight deadlines and heavy workloads, major culprits of stress include technical issues and workplace politics.
About 32% of those surveyed experienced stress at work “most days,” and 40% thought about work even after they got home. As a result, many look for a variety of ways to unwind when they get home. According to the study, popular ways to do so include: enjoying a glass of wine or beer, relaxing in the garden or watching a favourite TV show. Miracle-Gro, in partnership with presenter and gardening enthusiast Jo Whiley, is championing the ‘touching grass’ trend as an alternative yet simple way to help stressed workers slow down and refresh.
Recognising the challenges many workers face, Miracle-Gro is on a mission to address workplace burnout by encouraging people to reconnect with nature. The “Touching Grass” trend, which promotes spending time outdoors, can help individuals disconnect from technology and reduce stress in a natural and mindful way.
Jo Whiley, a gardening enthusiast and partner for the campaign, believes this simple concept can have a transformative impact. “All the stresses melt away when you’re in the garden,” she shares. “Touching grass isn’t some passing fad, but a trend that genuinely helps people unwind.”
Experts agree that spending time in nature has powerful mental and emotional benefits. RHS Therapeutic Gardener Ozichi Brewster explains, “touching grass and having regular exposure to natural light, all have a long list of healing effects and long-term wellbeing benefits.
“They trigger the release of the four feel-good hormones, dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin, which boost energy and increase relaxation when we are engaged in nature.”
Beyond managing day-to-day stress, Brewster adds that as sentient beings “we are constantly at risk of being overwhelmed by the conditions we are living in. We need time to rest and reset.”
Jo suggests that you don’t need a large garden to enjoy the ‘touching grass’ trend. She offers some straightforward and accessible ways to incorporate the the ‘touching grass’ trend into your life:
- Spend time nurturing a window box or indoor plants
- Cultivate a small herb garden in pots
- Walk barefoot on soft grass
- Take a leisurely walk in a local park
- Unwind outdoors on your lawn or balcony, savouring the sunlight and fresh air
She added:”after a busy day, I feel there is no better cure than spending some time outside reconnecting with nature”.
Nearly a third of respondents (29%) actively seek out grass, trees, flowers, and water to improve their mood. Soft grass was named the most therapeutic natural texture by 42% of participants, with many associating it with feelings of calm and peace.
Spending time outside is more than just physically grounding—it creates a mental reset. Whether by feeling soil under your fingertips or stopping to appreciate greenery in a local park, reconnecting with nature offers a powerful antidote to the stresses of modern life.
Miracle-Gro’s spokesperson said: “We want to encourage people to reconnect with nature by ‘touching grass’. Now that Spring has officially sprung, it’s the perfect time to start tending to your garden and lawn.”
