Mar 13, 2025
Workflows
Why Touching Grass as a Solo Designer Is Important for Your Mental Health
Olivia Johnson
Being a solo designer can be an isolating experience. Whether you're working on client projects, building digital products, or refining your design system, long hours spent in front of a screen can take a toll on your mental health and creativity. While the grind culture glorifies non-stop work, taking a break—literally stepping outside and touching grass—can do wonders for your well-being.
In this article, we'll explore why getting outside, walking, and breathing fresh air is essential for mental clarity, creativity, and overall productivity.
1. The Problem: Screen Fatigue & Creative Burnout
Solo designers often juggle multiple roles—UX, UI, research, marketing, and even front-end development. This constant cognitive load can lead to:
Burnout – Feeling mentally drained and uninspired.
Decision fatigue – Struggling to make design choices after staring at the same screen for hours.
Reduced creativity – Getting stuck in repetitive thinking patterns.
Physical strain – Eye strain, headaches, and poor posture from long sitting sessions.
2. The Science: Why Nature Helps Reset Your Mind
Studies show that spending time in nature improves mental health by:
Reducing stress & anxiety – Walking outside lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
Boosting creativity – Exposure to natural environments enhances problem-solving skills.
Increasing focus – A 15-minute walk can improve concentration and cognitive function.
Improving physical health – Moving your body helps with circulation, posture, and energy levels.
3. How to Integrate Outdoor Breaks into Your Routine
1. Take Micro-Breaks
Instead of forcing yourself to power through an 8-hour workday, step outside every few hours. Even a 5-minute break in fresh air can help reset your focus.
2. Schedule a Daily Walk
Start or end your workday with a 15-30 minute walk.
Walk in a park or green space to maximize mental benefits.
Use this time to listen to a podcast or observe the environment instead of scrolling your phone.
3. Work in a Different Environment
Try working from a café with outdoor seating.
Take meetings or brainstorming sessions while walking.
If possible, design on an iPad outside for a change of scenery.
4. The ‘Touch Grass’ Challenge
If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, try this simple challenge:
Step away from your desk.
Go outside (even if it’s just your backyard or balcony).
Physically touch grass (or leaves, or a tree—anything natural!).
Take a deep breath and reset.
It sounds simple, but the act of grounding yourself in nature can make a big difference in your mindset.
5. Conclusion: Balance Is Key
As a solo designer, it’s easy to get caught up in constant work—but your mental and physical health matter just as much as shipping great designs. By making outdoor breaks a daily habit, you’ll boost creativity, reduce stress, and come back to your work with fresh ideas and energy.
So, take a break. Go outside. Touch some grass. Your mind (and your designs) will thank you. 🌿🚶♂️
Being a solo designer can be an isolating experience. Whether you're working on client projects, building digital products, or refining your design system, long hours spent in front of a screen can take a toll on your mental health and creativity. While the grind culture glorifies non-stop work, taking a break—literally stepping outside and touching grass—can do wonders for your well-being.
In this article, we'll explore why getting outside, walking, and breathing fresh air is essential for mental clarity, creativity, and overall productivity.
1. The Problem: Screen Fatigue & Creative Burnout
Solo designers often juggle multiple roles—UX, UI, research, marketing, and even front-end development. This constant cognitive load can lead to:
Burnout – Feeling mentally drained and uninspired.
Decision fatigue – Struggling to make design choices after staring at the same screen for hours.
Reduced creativity – Getting stuck in repetitive thinking patterns.
Physical strain – Eye strain, headaches, and poor posture from long sitting sessions.
2. The Science: Why Nature Helps Reset Your Mind
Studies show that spending time in nature improves mental health by:
Reducing stress & anxiety – Walking outside lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
Boosting creativity – Exposure to natural environments enhances problem-solving skills.
Increasing focus – A 15-minute walk can improve concentration and cognitive function.
Improving physical health – Moving your body helps with circulation, posture, and energy levels.
3. How to Integrate Outdoor Breaks into Your Routine
1. Take Micro-Breaks
Instead of forcing yourself to power through an 8-hour workday, step outside every few hours. Even a 5-minute break in fresh air can help reset your focus.
2. Schedule a Daily Walk
Start or end your workday with a 15-30 minute walk.
Walk in a park or green space to maximize mental benefits.
Use this time to listen to a podcast or observe the environment instead of scrolling your phone.
3. Work in a Different Environment
Try working from a café with outdoor seating.
Take meetings or brainstorming sessions while walking.
If possible, design on an iPad outside for a change of scenery.
4. The ‘Touch Grass’ Challenge
If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, try this simple challenge:
Step away from your desk.
Go outside (even if it’s just your backyard or balcony).
Physically touch grass (or leaves, or a tree—anything natural!).
Take a deep breath and reset.
It sounds simple, but the act of grounding yourself in nature can make a big difference in your mindset.
5. Conclusion: Balance Is Key
As a solo designer, it’s easy to get caught up in constant work—but your mental and physical health matter just as much as shipping great designs. By making outdoor breaks a daily habit, you’ll boost creativity, reduce stress, and come back to your work with fresh ideas and energy.
So, take a break. Go outside. Touch some grass. Your mind (and your designs) will thank you. 🌿🚶♂️
Being a solo designer can be an isolating experience. Whether you're working on client projects, building digital products, or refining your design system, long hours spent in front of a screen can take a toll on your mental health and creativity. While the grind culture glorifies non-stop work, taking a break—literally stepping outside and touching grass—can do wonders for your well-being.
In this article, we'll explore why getting outside, walking, and breathing fresh air is essential for mental clarity, creativity, and overall productivity.
1. The Problem: Screen Fatigue & Creative Burnout
Solo designers often juggle multiple roles—UX, UI, research, marketing, and even front-end development. This constant cognitive load can lead to:
Burnout – Feeling mentally drained and uninspired.
Decision fatigue – Struggling to make design choices after staring at the same screen for hours.
Reduced creativity – Getting stuck in repetitive thinking patterns.
Physical strain – Eye strain, headaches, and poor posture from long sitting sessions.
2. The Science: Why Nature Helps Reset Your Mind
Studies show that spending time in nature improves mental health by:
Reducing stress & anxiety – Walking outside lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
Boosting creativity – Exposure to natural environments enhances problem-solving skills.
Increasing focus – A 15-minute walk can improve concentration and cognitive function.
Improving physical health – Moving your body helps with circulation, posture, and energy levels.
3. How to Integrate Outdoor Breaks into Your Routine
1. Take Micro-Breaks
Instead of forcing yourself to power through an 8-hour workday, step outside every few hours. Even a 5-minute break in fresh air can help reset your focus.
2. Schedule a Daily Walk
Start or end your workday with a 15-30 minute walk.
Walk in a park or green space to maximize mental benefits.
Use this time to listen to a podcast or observe the environment instead of scrolling your phone.
3. Work in a Different Environment
Try working from a café with outdoor seating.
Take meetings or brainstorming sessions while walking.
If possible, design on an iPad outside for a change of scenery.
4. The ‘Touch Grass’ Challenge
If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, try this simple challenge:
Step away from your desk.
Go outside (even if it’s just your backyard or balcony).
Physically touch grass (or leaves, or a tree—anything natural!).
Take a deep breath and reset.
It sounds simple, but the act of grounding yourself in nature can make a big difference in your mindset.
5. Conclusion: Balance Is Key
As a solo designer, it’s easy to get caught up in constant work—but your mental and physical health matter just as much as shipping great designs. By making outdoor breaks a daily habit, you’ll boost creativity, reduce stress, and come back to your work with fresh ideas and energy.
So, take a break. Go outside. Touch some grass. Your mind (and your designs) will thank you. 🌿🚶♂️