June 2nd

By Mutt Mulligan

4 reasons why digging in the dirt is good for you

Are you growing a garden this summer or sprucing up your outdoor living room by adding beautiful flowers and verdant plants? Not only is this a great way to improve your own little slice of nature in the safe space of your backyard, it’s also a way to give your mental and physical health a boost.

Here are 4 reasons why getting a little dirty is good for you.

Did you know that soil is the new Prozac? Mycobacterium vaccae in soil mirrors the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide. The bacterium stimulates serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier.

According to a study published in the journal Science, exposure to microbes is associated with protection from diseases like asthma and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children.

Another study discovered that children who are raised on farms in a “dirtier” environment than an urban setting not only have a stronger immune system but are also better able to manage social stress.

In the era of social distancing, getting outside and getting your hands a little dirty gives you a much-needed break from being cooped up at home. It’s also a way to escape the stresses of everyday life when things return to “normal.”

To learn more about the benefits of being an outsider by spending time in the safe space of your own yard, go to TurfMutt.com.