Get Dirty - Build Serotonin!

Get your hands and feet into the soil and you'll activate neurons that produce more serotonin. Serotonin's a chemical in your brain that brings well-being. Hmmm... how does that happen? Bacteria in the soil trigger these neurons, according to Dr. Chris Lowry, University of Bristol. "Findings leave us wondering if we shouldn't all be spending more time playing in the dirt!"

What do you do to get dirty? Barefoot hiking can lure you into whole new worlds... but you've got to take the plunge and get your tootsies hardened! Wonders follow! Interestingly barefoot walks awakens thinking and sensory awareness. Ethan Todras-Whitehill says, "Barefoot hikers are neither ascetics nor thrill seekers. Almost universally, they say they go shoeless for a sense of communion with the earth and for the sheer pleasure of feeling more of the world with their feet." Ready to try?

How about a veggie or flower garden? Dr. Ellen Weber told me four years ago that she had a brown thumb. Don't believe it for a minute - or even about you. You build new dendrite brain cells by simply doing an activity. Start fresh ... Ellen did. First, she installed a beautiful garden space at the front of the MITA Center. Not only did she set up the stone walls, but also added soil and carefully chose bushes, perennials and annuals to add to its ambiance. Invariably Ellen goes outside daily to pull a few weeds and just soak up the radience of red, white and purple blossoms. I know that she derives great pleasure when she looks to see the work of her hands. And if you look carefully, you'll see green thumbs.

Get Past Winter Blahs! Since we have less sun in the winter, some folks are more prone to depression. Dr. Lowry initiated this research to "aid the understanding of why an imbalance in the immune system leaves some individuals vulnerable to mood disorders like depression." Since getting your hands in the soil helps lift you from depression, why not launch small with potted plants? If you've succeeded outside, next step is to move forward inside. Plants lift your spirits at work and release oxygen as a bonus!

What activities get you dirty?