The biggest reason I enjoy gardening so much is the zen-like state of mind it puts me in while I'm outside digging and planting. Any stress I have melts away, and I have an keen appreciation for the moment, nothing more nothing less...just the moment. I can feel the breeze, smell and touch the dirt, and hear the birds singing with no other thoughts present. Time just slips by. Now I know why gardening puts me in this happy place - the research backs it up!
Anti-depressant microbes have been found in the soil that are responsible for the contented feeling you get while digging in the dirt. Mycobacterium vaccae is the substance under study and has been found to mirror the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide. It may simulate serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier. Gardeners inhale the bacteria and have topical contact with it. The effects are said to last up to three weeks.
My challenge? Replicating this feeling during the long, cold Wisconsin winters.
(Daylily pictured is "Sabine Baur")
Interesting articles:
"Does Dirt Make You Happy?"
http://modernfarmer.com/2014/08/dirt-make-us-happy-getting-hands-ground-better-prozac/
"Antidepressant Microbes In Soil: How Dirt Makes You Happy"
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/antidepressant-microbes-soil.htm
Anti-depressant microbes have been found in the soil that are responsible for the contented feeling you get while digging in the dirt. Mycobacterium vaccae is the substance under study and has been found to mirror the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide. It may simulate serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier. Gardeners inhale the bacteria and have topical contact with it. The effects are said to last up to three weeks.
My challenge? Replicating this feeling during the long, cold Wisconsin winters.
(Daylily pictured is "Sabine Baur")
Interesting articles:
"Does Dirt Make You Happy?"
http://modernfarmer.com/2014/08/dirt-make-us-happy-getting-hands-ground-better-prozac/
"Antidepressant Microbes In Soil: How Dirt Makes You Happy"
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/antidepressant-microbes-soil.htm
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