Dirt Provides Garden Variety Therapy

When the gloomy weather hits Seattle for its semi-permanent stay, it’s difficult not to let it affect your mood. The chilling drizzle and overcast conditions can drive one to take refuge indoors and try to stave off the blues with refills of hot cocoa for at least eight months.

However, that may not be the best course of action. According to this scientific revelation, going outside to garden may lift your spirits. Of course, this is the case when the sun warms the ground and the birds are chirping. But what about when there’s nothing but gray clouds overhead? That may not be relevant as it’s the dirt that matters.

Apparently soil releases a bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae that signals to the brain to produce serotonin, a chemical that makes you happy. This discovery is a great excuse to get out in the garden in between droplets of rain to dig in the dirt, get a little muddy, and boost your mood during our drought of sunshine.

Related posts:

1. Time for Fall Garden Planting
2. Urban Garden Share: Ready? Set? Plant
3. Planting a Winter Garden

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