As winter hits, so does the overthinking. New research from EXTRA reveals that 70% of Gen Z find themselves overthinking more during the colder months, with the bedroom officially crowned as “overthinking HQ.” To help young people reset without braving the bitter cold, EXTRA has launched a playful new wellness accessory: the ‘Grounded’ rug — a soft, grass-like indoor patch designed to help users “touch grass” from the comfort of their bedroom floor.
According to EXTRA’s study, 54% of Gen Z spiral most often in their bedrooms, with late-night anxiety hitting hardest just before sleep (49%). Secondary hotspots include the bathroom (25%) and the workplace (18%).
Despite half of respondents saying being outdoors makes them feel refreshed, nearly a third (31%) admit they sometimes go a full day without stepping outside during winter. Instead, tech becomes the go-to coping mechanism:
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52% listen to music or podcasts
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42% binge TV
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38% scroll on their phones to block out intrusive thoughts
Yet grounding techniques — widely known to reduce stress by reconnecting the mind with the body — are used by only 10% of Gen Z.
Doomscrolling: A Quick Fix With Consequences
EXTRA’s research also found that four in five young people doomscroll to cope, but the relief is temporary. A third (35%) admit it leaves them feeling like they’ve wasted hours, and nearly a quarter (23%) feel disconnected from reality afterwards — making grounding practices more important than ever.
The ‘Grounded’ Rug: Nature You Don’t Have To Leave Bed For
Tessa Northcott from EXTRA explains the inspiration behind the rug:
“When the cold, grey days make even stepping outside for a reset feel impossible, the ‘Grounded’ by EXTRA rug brings a slice of nature indoors. It helps you pause, feel grounded, shake off those spirals, and add a little fun to the darker months… all without leaving home.”
The limited-edition rug recreates the soothing texture of grass, offering a quick grounding moment — no park visit required.
You can learn more or request one at extrgum.co.uk/grounded.
Expert-Backed Grounding Rituals
To support the launch, EXTRA has partnered with therapist and grounding advocate Tasha Bailey (aka The Real Talk Therapist). She explains:
“Grounding helps interrupt the cognitive loop of overthinking by tuning into our senses. Even just a few minutes can calm the amygdala, reduce spiralling, and give the brain the reset it needs.”
Bailey highlights how simple sensory actions — feeling texture, tasting gum slowly, or focusing on sound — help pull the mind out of spirals and back into the present moment.
EXTRA’s 5-Step Grounding Ritual
Alongside the rug, EXTRA has released an easy 5-step grounding routine designed for quick resets:
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Touch – Step onto the rug and feel the texture.
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Chew – Pop in your gum and focus on the taste.
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Breathe – Count your chews to regulate your breath.
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Sound – Tune in to the rhythm of the chewing.
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Reset – Pause. You’re grounded again.
Want One?
The rug is available in limited quantities at extrgum.co.uk/grounded.
