ESD vs. just blind luck

Several years ago, against my better judgement, I upgraded the memory
on my computer. I knew about the problem of ESD but was just careful
upon what I touched. Within a couple of days, I plan to add a video
card to a computer. What is the best way, short of a wrist strap, to
minimize the possibility of ESD? In my way of thinking, if I never
touch anything except plastic, I'll be fine. It just seems strange to
me that all of you "experts" go running to a strap in that type of
upgrade. It's like watching an electrician, which I've had ample
opportunity, work on house current without turning off a breaker.