Throwback Childhood Experiences Can Be Medicinal

Smell dirt — it’s good for your health (backed by science)

Antidepressant microbes in soil may be as easy to use as just playing in the dirt. — Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Stirring up the microbes

I’ve always known there were microbes in the soil. Soil is alive! Gardeners say there is something therapeutic about putting their hands into the dirt. Before reading a post on the website “Gardening Know-How,” I believed it was just a physical therapeutic experience. I didn’t realize there is a specific microbe in the soil that has been found to mimic Prozac.

Mycobacterium vaccae is the substance under study and has indeed been found to mirror the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide. The bacterium is found in soil and may stimulate serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier. Lack of serotonin has been linked to depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar problems. Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist, Gardening Know-How

Dragging my feet through the soil

I walked along a logging trail this weekend. I noticed the smell of the soil that had been freshly kicked up by the trucks. In combination with the fresh-cut tree smell, I felt a lift in my spirits.

I returned again the next day after a rain. I didn’t put my hands in the mud, but I did stir and poke around at it with a stick. As I was dragging my feet through the mud in my rubber boots it took me back to my childhood days. Mushy, gushy mud. As an adult, I have for the most part completely avoided dirt and mud as much as possible.

I thought it was just nostalgia that brought the heightened feelings of joy, but now I am finding that it could be the Mycobacterium vaccae in action! Wow!

Revisiting childhood pastimes

Kristina God wrote a story about the benefits that climbing a tree has on memory. I thought of her story when I made my way back to the mud. My walk also included climbing over some fallen trees.

Ann Litts also has some great ideas about getting in touch with your inner child and getting back to the experiences that made you so happy years ago.

This past weekend, after my walk in the woods, I visited my grandmom. We painted together for the first time since a painting class we took together when I was in second grade. (That was almost 40 years ago!)

Final Thoughts

Find something you enjoyed as a child. Do it. It will be fun and those good feelings bring health benefits beyond the moment. Science says playing in the dirt is even good for you!

Thanks for reading! I hope everyone finds their best medicinal experiences!

Thank you to Glad Doggett for editing services through World Traveler’s Blog. This is not an affiliate link, just appreciation. (Please note, any errors are from my further additions after the editing process was over, I just can’t help myself!)