Selfsufficientish.com

I was reading one of the free papers that comes through the door and it has a small article suggesting that what my mum has always said was right. "you need your two spoonfuls of dirt".

Well it seems that the 'good bacteria' that is found in soil can help ward against depression. See this story.

I knew that there was more than just the exercise that makes me feel happier after going to the allotment.

Hurrah! This explains why my grandpa was one of the happiest people I can think of - he was always out in the garden, even in his 80s...

Must get myself an allotment next year then!

I'm a grandpa, so I am off to the garden to stay healthy.

Robin

Maybe that explains why the feeling of satisfaction from a good ole dig stays for so long after you've finished. It's not just cos it's a job well done it seems.
mithril.

Gidday

That is a very interesting article. I heard it the other day as a new item over here and it really grabbed me. I supose it contains a very serious leason there, that you must have healthy soil with the good bacteria, and then it will make you happy in so many ways.

[1] the bacteria make your un depressed.

[2] you really enjoy eating good food that you have grown yourself.

[3] you are going to be sooooo much healthier because you are eating good really healthy food containing everything that the Good Lord planned when we eat good food.


Thanks for posting that, I only heard it as a radio news item.

Jack wrote:[3] you are going to be sooooo much healthier because you are eating good really healthy food containing everything that the Good Lord planned when we eat good food.

Not to mention that it's good exercise...

Also there is the fact that you achieve goals every time you go to your allotment/garden. Even if it is just clear that area full of weeds or simply water everything. Setting yourself goals and achieving them is all good therapy in combating depression. I am not sure if I am the only one, but the allotment never seems quite perfect, there is always something to do up there.

Andy Hamilton wrote:Also there is the fact that you achieve goals every time you go to your allotment/garden.

So it wouldn't work if you just took a sprinkling of soil on your muesli? That's a shame. From experience I know that when I'm depressed, the last thing I can get myself to do is go out into the garden and dig.

I know what you mean Ina but it is often the things that you want to do the least that will be the only things that will make you feel better, its just getting to the point of doing them that is the hardest.

ina wrote: So it wouldn't work if you just took a sprinkling of soil on your muesli?

Damn! And I was just starting to get used to the gritty texture!

Nev

Andy Hamilton wrote:I know what you mean Ina but it is often the things that you want to do the least that will be the only things that will make you feel better, its just getting to the point of doing them that is the hardest.

Don't I know it... (sigh)

Like making yourself go to the gym. You always feel good afterwards but it is soooooooooo hard getting there in the first place. Thankfully there are no gyms anymore nearby!

Gym's seem a waste of space to me. The selfsufficientish workout is a much better option. Take one spade and dig an allotment. When the allotment is has been dug take 400 - 1000 seeds and plant. Now take two big watering cans and walk from the water tough, butt or the tap and walk with two full watering cans and water all your seeds. Repeat two or three times a week for the next 6 months. Add to this cycling everywhere and before you know it you have had a full workout. I am sure that spending £10-£20 a year on seeds is cheaper than any gym.

Good to see you back on here Ina.

Soil muesli, so soily it even turns the milk muddy. (think coco pops) Could it catch on??

I usually have enough under my fingernails that I'm sure I add a bit to every meal I prepare!

... or just don't scrub your carrots too well...