You know that feeling. It’s spring, you can smell the dirt, maybe you’ve even started planting if you have a garden. Did you know getting your hands into dirt can actually reduce stress and act similar to an anti-depressant? According to published research by Christopher Lowry, the Mycobacterium vaccae, helpful bacteria in soil, has show antidepressant effects.
The researchers found that the injection of the bacteria in mice caused them to have a slight decrease in body temperature and decrease in their activity levels. The mice also showed an increase in neuronal activity, in certain serotonin-producing neurons. This area of the brain is known to be involved in mood regulation. These findings suggest that immune system activation may have an impact on brain function and behavior, and may have potential for treating mood disorders.
Don’t have a garden? Even smelling dirt has positive effects. According to this study, smelling soil lead to a significant decrease in heart rate. You know that feeling you get in the woods? Right there, scientifically proven that soil calms you down!
I always recommend a walk outside as a first line of defense against stress. If you’re looking for additional tips, read my article on calming your nervous system. So get outside and enjoy a stress-busting walk!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The author and publisher of this blog post are not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. The use of any information provided in this blog post is solely at your own risk.
