play in the dirt

Researchers in London have decided that playing in the dirt can be good for you physically and emotionally. You can read the article here, but the short version is there is a serotonin-producing bacteria in dirt. Serotonin is what the brain uses to tell you everything's okay. (This explains why pulling weeds relaxes me.)

In a related study researchers found that gardening was just as good at preventing osteoperosis in older women as weight training. How cool is that?

So the next time you're feeling a little sad and depressed, go plant some flowers. Not only will you be maintaining your yard, but your mind and body too.