Happiness Linked to Dirt?

by:  Rita Duponty

Is there a link between ordinary dirt and happiness?  For years, parents have have taught their children not to play in dirt.  As children, some of us were told to stay out of the dirt or we would get sick.  The truth is that dirt may actually be good for all us.

Researchers found that when mice were exposed to certain “friendly bacteria” found in soil, their brain’s showed elevated levels of serotonin.  No doubt you will recall that low levels of serotonin in the human brain are linked to depression.   So what does this mean for you?  Although more studies and research are underway to determine just how much antidepressant properties there are in dirt and its effect on the serotonin neurons in the brain, getting down in the dirt with the kids is a smart thing to do! 

Spring is almost here for many of us.  Now is the perfect time to sink our hands down into some type of soil or dirt.  Since most of us are under  time restraints these days, here are a few suggestions on how you can get into the real “dirt.”

  1. For a smaller project, start an herb garden.  You and the kids can plant a few herbs in the kitchen perhaps in a small planter.  Once it is warm enough you can plant herbs in pots on your porch or patio.  The best exposure to dirt though and soil would be to plant an herb garden outside in the yard.  You don’t need a lot of space.  Some people have planted herbs on the top of their roof!  In all cases you will be working with soil. 
  2. Plant some of your favorite flowers in pots inside or outside.  Plant flowers around your yard. 
  3. Take a small area of your yard and start a vegetable garden.  If you don’t know how to get started, go to Vegetable Garden—Your Family’s Golden Nugget.  You’ll find links to organic gardening and some free tips along with a link to what Michelle Obama did to start her successful White House Garden.
  4. Community Gardening.  Some areas rent out small lots for gardening.  Look around your community for such an area.  You might even have a friend that would love you to plant vegetables or flowers on their property. 
  5. Volunteer to help someone else to start their garden. 

In all of the above scenarios, you and the kids will be exposed to dirt.  Interestingly, all the Blue Zones (concentrations of centenarians) in the world, people are actively involved in outside activities such as gardening.  So if you want a happy family with longevity, start digging and planting today.  Yes—get those hands dirty!

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18 thoughts on “Happiness Linked to Dirt?”

  2. Elle

    Well heck if they had asked any gardeners or farmers they would have known. I have never met a unhappy gardener…and some of them had some real problems. Didn’t know it was the dirt that helped…thought it was just the doing and seeing things grow. Nice to have evidence though.

    Stumbled this post. From the Stumble Through Thursday hop.

  3. Angel

    You have been Stumbled. :-) I love, love, love this post! I am a firm believer in kids getting outside and getting dirty, it is a right of passage. My little is 18 months and as soon as it was decent enough weather I went and got her some galoshes(our backyard is currently a marsh from the heavy rain). We have been out almost every day playing in the puddles and getting muddy. :-D So much fun!

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

    Angel
    Chasing Serenity

  9. anna

    great ideas and inspiration to go play in the dirt with my kids!

    stopping by from the alexa hop.

    ~ anna
    randomhandprints.com

  11. Mama Chocolate

    I’m getting my seeds ready and can’t wait to get out there in the dirt! :-)

    (Stopping by from the Spearmint Baby Alexa Hop!)

    Johanna at Mama Chocolate
    Family life, tips for mom, reviews, giveaways and more!

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