Sometimes I Need to Get in the Dirt

When my mind is crowded, I go outside, look at what needs water, then pull a few weeds, and get my hands in the dirt. Sometimes I come back with a clearer thought, other times I simply just feel better.

That experience has made me curious about the research. In one small study, 30 minutes of gardening after a stressful task was linked to a greater drop in cortisol and a better mood than 30 minutes of reading. It is an interesting finding, though one small study cannot tell us exactly which part of gardening made the difference. Read the study (https://lnkd.in/gwTK8Rjc) or this article (https://lnkd.in/grAdHU3a).

I would be careful about claiming that soil itself has a special power to clear the mind. The movement, fresh air, attention, and simple pleasure of caring for something may all play a part. What I know from my own life is that stepping outside gives me room to think. The garden asks for my attention, and for a little while, that is enough.

Where do you go when you need to clear your mind?