If you spend a lot of time online, you might have seen the phrase “touch grass” cropping up in lengthy comment sections. It’s often used as a (not super-friendly) reminder to take a break from the toxic abyss of the internet and to get outside into the real world – the implication being that, in spending too much time online, the individual has lost touch with the world outside their laptop screen.

While telling someone to “touch grass” may be a veiled insult, there is actually a bit of truth to it – as, according to a new study, getting outside into nature is one of the best ways to boost your authenticity and, yes, reconnect with the reality of being a human being. 

If you work on a computer all day, you might find that you spend most of your time inside staring at a screen. At the end of a long day filled with blue light, email notifications and keyboard tapping, you might find yourself feeling strangely disconnected – not only from the real people around you, but also with your own self. According to this study, we might all need to go touch grass, as spending a little more time outside can help us get back in touch with our authentic selves. In turn, it can lead to a more authentic inner dialogue with ourselves and more authentic relationships with others.

We spoke to Elle Mace, a Positive Psychology Coach, about the strong link between nature and authenticity – and why it matters.

What is authenticity, anyway?

Before getting into the study, let’s talk about what psychologists mean when they talk about authenticity. When we think about someone who is “authentic”, we tend to imagine someone who is good at simply being themselves – someone who avoids putting on airs or acting out a role.

However, authenticity in psychology is a little more complex. It relates not only to expressing one’s true self, but also whether we are able to grasp and comprehend our own feelings, beliefs and desires. Further, it involves acting based on our values and needs despite societal pressures, and being open and honest in our relationships.

According to Mace, this kind of authenticity is vital to our personal happiness and to the health of our relationships.

“Cultivating authenticity is important for personal well-being and fulfilment because it allows individuals to live in alignment with their true selves, fostering genuine connections, self-acceptance, and psychological resilience,” she says.

About the study

The study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in January 2024, aimed to understand why nature and authenticity go hand in hand. They worked with the hypothesis that “nature fosters authenticity” and that “authenticity mediates the positive influence of nature on longer term psychological well-being (higher life satisfaction and meaning in life, lower depression, anxiety and stress)”.

Researchers examined these four points by surveying 10,000 participants, evaluating their connection to nature, and compared the results to their personal sense of authenticity. They found that there was a clear link between nature connectedness, engagement in nature-related activities and authenticity.

In a second study, the researchers compared people who lived in natural environments with those in urban environments. Once again, they found that natural habitats increased authenticity. A third study explored how spending time in nature could improve an individual’s sense of inner authenticity, thus increasing personal satisfaction. 

Why nature is linked to building authenticity

Ok, so the study shows that getting outside and, yes, touching grass can make us more authentic, both in our relationship with ourselves and with others – but why?

Well, as you might have guessed, it gives us an opportunity to get back to the basics of our own humanity. With a break from the chaos of modern life, we get the chance to reconnect with who we are at our core. After all, you can’t be honest with others if you can’t be honest with yourself – and getting outside helps you do just that.

“Being in nature can facilitate the development of authenticity because it often provides a space for reflection, introspection and connection with one’s innermost thoughts and feelings,” Mace says. “Away from the distractions and pressures of daily life, nature encourages individuals to be present and tune into their authentic selves.”

How can we all add some nature (and authenticity) into our lives?

Getting outside is one of the best ways to boost your own sense of authenticity – but it’s no secret that finding the time and space to get out into nature isn’t always easy.

Mace suggests you make nature a priority in your schedule. 

“Plan outdoor activities such as walks, hikes, picnics or simply spending time in a nearby park,” she says. Even if it’s just ten minutes in a local park during your lunch break, it might help you reconnect with your inner, authentic self.

It’s also important to be mindful about how you engage with nature once you’re out and about. “Incorporate mindfulness practices into everyday life,” she says. “Mindful walking or taking a few moments to appreciate nature’s beauty can help individuals connect with their authentic selves amid busy schedules and being around other people’s noise.”

Images: Getty