When Did Dirt Become a Hassle?

Remember when dirt was exciting? I mean really exciting—like, “dirt under your fingernails and you don’t even care” kind of exciting. I can give my son a clear cup and some tinfoil, and next thing I know, he’s building an entire ecosystem. Grubs, beetles, fireflies—he’s got his own little wildlife sanctuary happening right there on the patio. And he’s fascinated by it. The best part? He doesn’t mind getting dirty. Actually, he loves it. Dirt in his hair? Sure! Dirt-stained knees? Bring it on!

But somewhere between childhood and adulthood, most of us stop loving dirt. When did that happen? When did dirt become just something to wash off instead of something to explore?

Why Do We Lose Our Fascination with Dirt?

As kids, dirt is pure magic. It’s a gateway to adventure and discovery. But as adults, we start to associate dirt with messiness, inconvenience, and germs. We get busy with work, chores, and the stress of keeping things neat. Somewhere along the way, the joy of getting our hands dirty became overshadowed by the need to stay clean, productive, and "put together."

It’s funny, though—kids don’t care about any of that. They’re not worried about the laundry or whether their clothes are spotless. They’re curious, imaginative, and completely immersed in whatever critters or rocks they’re uncovering. They’re living in the moment, connected to the world around them.

What Would Happen if We Put Our Hands in the Dirt Again?

Now, imagine what would happen if we, as adults, took some time to reconnect with that childlike fascination for dirt. Not just in a metaphorical "getting back to nature" way, but in a literal, stick-your-hands-in-the-soil way. Here’s what we’d probably find:

• We'd Stress Less: There's actual science behind this one! Studies show that physical contact with soil, known as "grounding" or "earthing," can reduce stress levels by balancing the body’s electrical charge. Who knew dirt could have a calming effect?

• We’d Reignite Our Curiosity: Getting dirty lets us tap into that curiosity we had as kids. When’s the last time you looked closely at the patterns in leaves, or marveled at how plants grow? A little dirt under the nails could reignite that sense of wonder.

• We’d Improve Our Mood: Fun fact: there’s a bacteria in soil called Mycobacterium vaccae that triggers the release of serotonin in your brain. Translation: touching dirt can actually make you happier! Who needs a fancy spa when you’ve got a garden bed?

• We’d Boost Our Immune System: Turns out, exposure to good ol’ dirt can actually help strengthen your immune system by introducing helpful microorganisms into your body. As they say, "Dirt don't hurt!"

• Enhanced Creativity: Engaging with nature can boost your creativity. Spending time outdoors, playing in the dirt, and observing natural ecosystems can spark fresh ideas and new perspectives. Ever wonder why you get your best ideas during a walk? Same concept—nature opens your mind.

Maybe It's Time to Get Dirty Again

So, what if we, as adults, took a little more time to get dirty—literally? What if we embraced the mud on our shoes, the dirt under our nails, and the occasional beetle in our hair? What if we slowed down to observe the tiny ecosystems beneath our feet, just like kids do?

Next time you see a child happily digging in the backyard, maybe join them. Get down on their level and look closely at the world they’re discovering. Who knows what you’ll find—besides a few worms and some grass stains, of course.

You might just rediscover a part of yourself that’s been buried under years of to-do lists and adulting. And if nothing else, you’ll get a little reminder of how fun it can be to live with a sense of wonder, curiosity, and yes, dirt.

So, when did we lose interest in a cup of dirt? Maybe the better question is: Why did we stop, and how soon can we start getting our hands dirty again? 🌱