Many gardeners and people who grow their own food will share that it is a very joy and content giving activity.
Microbes in the soil such as Mycobacterium vaccae have similar effect on the brain like Prozac without any possibilities of chemical dependency or harmful side effects.
Lack of serotonin has been linked to depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and bipolar problems .
Exposure to bacterium in soil stimulates serotonin production, which makes people relaxed and happier.
Cancer patients when exposed to mud reported reduced stress and a better quality of life.
Studies show that by exposing oneself to nature, by indulging in activities such as gardening and growing one's own food has a wide range of health outcomes including reductions in body mass index, depression, anxiety, increase in life satisfaction, quality of life, and sense of community. Studies have also showed that connecting with Nature increases life satisfaction, vigor, psychological wellbeing, cognitive function and even mood.