The connection between soil and mood is also chemical. Soil contains Mycobacterium vaccae, a beneficial bacterium that has been shown to interact with the immune system to promote serotonin production in the brain. This is a subtle, natural way to support mood regulation. When you are healing from the emotional damage of an abusive relationship, these physiological changes provide a foundation of stability that helps your nervous system learn how to feel calm again.

If you are living in a chronically stressful environment, your body is likely living in fight or flight mode, and your cortisol levels can stay elevated.