the happy gardener

Gardening always makes me happy. I love the smell of the dirt and how it feels when I dig into it with my bare hands (gloves are for chumps…and people with nice nails). I always thought that it was a strictly sensory experience. it seems that there may be more to it.

Researchers in Great Britain are now studying the mood-elevating effects of a bacteria commonly found in soil after cancer patients being treated with the bacteria reported improved moods and quality of life. When treated with the same bacteria, lab mice responded in a way similar to those treated with antidepressant drugs.

It is believed that mycobacterium vaccae stimulates neurons in the brain that contain serotonin. Digging in the garden, or even taking a nature walk, will expose you to enough “happy bacteria” to boost your serotonin levels; improving your mood and cognitive functions, and possibly preventing depression.

And, it seems that the fruits of your labour can have a positive effect on your mental health as well. According to the same researchers, mycobacteria can also be ingested either through water sources or through eating the plants, such as carrots and lettuce.

I think that’s reason enough to go play in the dirt.