Back in the day, social media used to be a complete outlet for me. When life seemed overwhelming, I’d open up social apps solely for outfit and recipe inspo, and it was a fun way to connect with friends and family with simple pictures that were overfiltered and somewhat pixelated. It was a way to get lost just for a moment before I had to return to writing a college essay or take a mental break from work. However, lately, I’ve found myself putting down my phone, introducing my kids to the ‘vintage’ landline I grew up using, and disconnecting from social media more often to reconnect with the ‘outside’ world. While ‘touching grass’ is figurative, I’ll admit, I’ve also taken it literally—stepping barefoot outside just to get grounded again, especially when life feels chaotic.
Disconnecting and intentional connection look a little different nowadays. And as a mom, what does touching grass even look like? I think poet Lyndsay Rush eloquently describes what it’s like to be a mother and a person in the world. When life feels heavy, the busyness of everyday life continues to push forward somehow. And it’s important to remind myself that every once in a while, a pause is needed here and there, too. So, if you’re in need of some ideas and inspo on how to ‘touch grass’ and detox from the digital world as a mom in 2025, I’m sharing some simple ways to do it.
What does ‘touching grass’ mean?
As a millennial, ‘touching grass’ is one of my favorite Gen Z terms. Aside from literally touching grass, figuratively, ‘touch grass’ is an encouragement to take a pause from the digital world and its excess and do something that brings you outside with nature, brings you joy, or promotes intentional connection.
Related Stories:
- Feel Like Your Family Needs a Digital Detox? Here’s How to Do It
- 30 Creative Screen-Free Activities for Kids When You’re Stuck Indoors
10 ways to ‘touch grass’ as a mom in 2025
But for moms who have busy schedules, getting a spare moment to touch grass in the modern day of motherhood, at times, may be difficult. Starting simple is key. Keep reading for ways I’m touching grass as a mom, plus ideas on how to do it solo or with your kids.
1. Start with a detox weekend
Technology has its pros and cons. It’s easily accessible, which has definitely come in handy when I need to quickly Google directions or “where to buy family Halloween costumes.” But when I need something other than a digital distraction, strategically unplugging from technology helps. Some ways to help set clear boundaries are defining a certain time of the day to consume technology, using apps that temporarily block socials, consuming news and current events in one sitting, and planning ahead with non-digital activities.
2. Go outside and enjoy nature
While this one seems a little obvious, it’s a great reminder to go outdoors now and then. Go on a daily walk and mix it up by walking through your neighborhood, a local park, or by hitting a trail with the family. And make it fun with a color walk or flower walk! End it with a picnic and outdoor games.
3. Grab a coffee
Schedule some time after school drop-off or during a midday work break to grab a coffee at a local coffee shop. Finish your latest cozy read or call a friend to join you and catch up.
4. Garden or get a new house plant
Visit your local garden center and pick seasonal plants to refresh your garden. If you’re like me and more of an indoor plant gal, pick up a new houseplant to make a room in your home a little bit more cozy.
5. Start a grandma hobby
Playing mahjong and learning to crochet are just a few of the latest grandma hobbies that are all the rage right now. Find a fun pastime like needlepointing and painting that involves less screentime, and make it a fun hobby to do by yourself or with friends, or involve the whole family!
6. Write in a journal
As an avid journal collector (don’t ask me how many I’ve actually written in), the perfect way to process your thoughts and to connect with yourself is by journaling. Pick a cozy spot in the house or in a nook at your favorite bookstore and journal before the kids wake up or after bedtime.
7. Read a book or visit a library
Tackle your TBR list! Finally read the rom-com you’ve been meaning to get to before the movie adaptation comes out later this year. If you love or miss the feeling of physically turning pages, peruse the nearest library and checkout a handful of books.
8. Intentionally reclaim your morning and evening
Opting to start my morning shift without scrolling my phone first thing in the morning has been a game-changer. I like starting my day by drinking a glass of water and by getting ready before the kids wake up (or after school drop-off). Then I’m doing one thing for myself. Throw on an under-eye mask or squeeze a quick sweat sesh in with a workout. These simple shifts to my morning and cutting off screentime as part of my bedtime routine have made mornings and evenings start and end on a better foot.
9. Have a family day
Managing the school year, work, and the holidays can be a balancing act. Schedule a day or weekend with the family. It’s a simple way to make sure you’re getting in screen-free family time. When it’s spontaneous, it can be fun, too!
10. Volunteer locally
Want to do something more with your community? Find causes you’re passionate about and research volunteer opportunities in your town or neighboring cities, and connect with others who want to leave the world a better place!
Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant
As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.
