Compost Makes You Happy (No Really, it’s Science!)

If you’re happy and you know it, dig in the compost. If you’re happy and you know it……..

Don’t you love when science proves something you have always known? Scientists have now found a substance in soil that acts as a natural antidepressant.

Mycobacterium vaccae has been found “to mirror the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide.” (Check out this Gardening Know How page for details).

Basically, as you are working with compost or soil in the garden you inhale this bacteria which stimulates serotonin production, making you relaxed and happy. But it gets even better; the effects of this bacteria can be felt for up to 3 weeks after it is inhaled.

I wonder if we can adopt our own lingo like “runner’s high” but call it “composter's high”? Hmm, not quite the same ring to it.

HAPPY composting, y’all.

I guess this is what happy bacteria look like.

 

 

Disclaimer: Please don’t allow the blogging of a silly composter to replace real medical advice. If you feel depressed, seek help from a medical professional. You deserve to be happy. J