We’ve spent the last year focused on hand hygiene – for good reason. But it turns out that getting your hands dirty – in the safety of your own backyard – is good for your health.

So if you’re looking for something that’s not only fun (and good for you!) to do this holiday weekend, we suggest digging in the dirt and planting some flowers, veggies or other plants in your backyard. Not only is this a great way to improve your outdoor living room, it is also a way to boost your mental and physical health.

Here are just four reasons why getting a little dirty is good for you and your children:

• Soil is the new Prozac. Mycobacterium vaccae in soil mirrors the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide. The bacterium stimulates serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier.
• According to a study published in the journal Science, exposure to microbes is associated with protection from diseases like asthma and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children.
• Another study indicated that children who are raised on farms in a “dirtier” environment than an urban setting not only have a stronger immune system but are also better able to manage social stress.
• Going outside and getting your hands a little dirty gives pandemic-weary folks a much-needed break from being cooped up at home. It’s also a way to escape the stresses of everyday life as things return to normal.

Want to learn more about the benefits of your own backyard? Go to TurfMutt.com.