Can Being on the Farm Improve Your Mood?

YES!!! The act of gardening or playing in soil can stir up microbes found in the soil that contributes to mood-boosting effects.  All you have to do to experience this benefit is get your hands in contact with earth. The bacteria are said to be absorbed through your skin or inhaled from the air, and they will quickly get to work transforming your brain chemistry for the better.

How does this work you might ask? 

Well, some microbes in soil can alter brain chemistry to improve mood, primarily by stimulating the production of serotonin, often called the “feel-good” chemical. This can happen indirectly through immune cells releasing chemicals that activate nerves sending signals to the brain, or through inhalation of compounds from soil bacteria that affect brain wave activity.

How soil microbes affect brain chemistry

• Indirectly via the immune system:
• Contact with soil can cause the immune system to release chemicals called cytokines
• These cytokines stimulate nerves that send signals to the brain
• This process leads to the production of serotonin in certain brain areas, which can improve mood
• Through inhalation:
• Certain soil bacteria, like Mycobacterium vaccae, release compounds that can be inhaled
• Research has shown that inhaling these compounds can trigger the release of serotonin and also affect brain wave activity, like increasing alpha waves, which is associated with a state of calm

So come on out to our farm and get HAPPY!