Touch Grass

The sounds of wind blowing through the green grass of a barren plane along a trail, waves crashing against the rocks by your tent, a nosy squirrel peeking from a branch at your packed hiking lunch. These are moments many people are missing in the current age. They sit on their phones, doomscrolling into oblivion, looking for the next trend or viral event they need to be at to escape FOMO. Then, when they are there, it must be captured for the masses to prove they were there, rather than being present in the moment. I am not ashamed to say that I, too, fall victim to the digital prison we are living in. It’s hard not to. However, for the sake of my mental health and the environment’s overall well-being, I have taken a step back and am assessing the effects of being outdoors on my well-being.

Let’s go back 6 years. 2020, the dreaded pandemic. Beyond the horror and tragedy of those few years, something else happened. We became more connected to nature and the outdoors. I personally did more hiking than I had ever done before, and spent copious amounts of time just being outdoors. It was one place where we could be “safe”. It wasn’t just me who felt this way. Hiking Trails in America reported that from 2019 to 2020, the number of Americans aged 6 and older who participated in outdoor recreation increased by 7.1 million. It was shown that increased outdoor activity was directly correlated with improved well-being and mental health. Getting away from the endless horrible news, the blue light of monitors and screens, and taking time to avoid being overwhelmed by influencers, ads, and brainrot. In our darkest of times, a breath of fresh air could clear the mental fog that quantifying placed upon us.

One of the biggest factors behind this boost is our increased free time. Something that, now that we are free from quarantine, has been diminished. During this time, not only was nature healing, but we also had the opportunity to return to our roots. Rather than being stuck in traffic on the commute to work, we could go outside and take a walk in the crisp morning air to catch our bearings. As a college student during the pandemic, with my classes virtual, I was able to explore more of the world around me and delve into outdoor recreation. It was much needed, since sitting in front of a screen was exhausting. Most parks also offered free resources, entry, and events (with social distancing) during this time. So, for many Americans, outdoor recreation was more accessible than ever.

Now let’s fast-forward to 2026. Things are more expensive than ever, funding is being cut, jobs are expecting more for less, AI is becoming more advanced, social media is more addictive than ever, and most workers are back to commuting. Mental health has reached a historic low, and the things we are doing to help are at our fingertips, yet not within full reach. More than ever, it is important to put down your phone, turn off notifications, and touch some grass! Spending 10 minutes outside can reduce stress and help you connect with nature, thereby increasing your overall well-being. It gets your blood circulating, stimulates focus, and generally gives you a serotonin boost. Ever notice the numbness you feel after binge-watching a show in a day, or spending hours on TikTok? The exhaustion from being on Zoom after Zoom, or reading dark news articles after another. The fatigue from sitting at a desk or on the couch all day? This is a common feeling. Getting outside, taking a walk, camping, and swimming are all things that will help not only make you feel better mentally but also lower cortisol levels and stress on the body, and increase longevity.

The more we, as people, get locked into the digital age, I hope they also recognize and realize the importance of getting outdoors and taking a break. That as they sit at their desk rather than doomscrolling on their break, they take a brief walk. Have a three-day weekend? Go camping! Take a mental health day off and hike along the coast. There are many opportunities, big and small, to get involved in outdoor recreation. I will include a comprehensive list of ideas in the area below for Sacramento locals and visitors!

We here at ASI Peak Adventures provide affordable gear rentals, run private/preplanned trips, host a free Open Climb at our outdoor high ropes course twice a year, and offer outdoor summer camps for kids looking to get out more. These possibilities provide community building, fun, and introductory opportunities to the outdoors for people of all ages and levels.

Other amazing groups and opportunities to check out:

Free Museum and park passes from the Sacramento public library ( must hold a Sacramento library card). Most California libraries do offer their own version of the pass, though.

Based on income, certain families also can get free vehicle access to many California state parks.

There are many free recreational parks, trails, and waterfronts in the area, perfect for biking, walking, and running!

We are right by the American River, which means white-water rafting, paddleboarding, floating, and more right in our backyard. Learn more here

Join a club or outdoor recreational group like The Sacramento Trailblazers, Trail Mix Hikes, Sacramento Run Club, Slow Run Club, Good Vibes and Strides, or various bike clubs