Spring time is upon us (in AUS). So it's time you think dirty, really dirty!

In modern life we are too extreme in the time we spend trying to keep our hands clean.

We wash them, sanitise them, wipe down our surfaces and reach for the hand gel without thinking twice and of course, good hygiene matters.

But there's something to be said for getting your hands a little dirty too. 😉

Digging in the garden, planting herbs (our favs are mint, rosemary and parsley). Walking barefoot on the grass or sand. Making something with your hands. Getting outside and swapping a screen for a handful of soil or sand.

These simple moments can be good for more than just your mood.

Get outside 🌳☀️

There's something about being outdoors that makes us slow down.

Gardening, walking through a park or simply sitting in the backyard gives us a chance to step away from screens and spend time in nature. Regular time outdoors is associated with benefits for mental wellbeing, physical activity and stress management.

And you don't need to plan a wilderness adventure. 🥾

Sometimes, five minutes in the garden is enough to remind you there's a whole world beyond your inbox. 🌎

Gardening is a workout in disguise 💪🌱

Gardening might not look like exercise, but all that digging, lifting, stretching, squatting and carrying adds up (trust us, why do you think most farmers are thirst traps?)

Planting flowers, pulling weeds or turning soil gets your body moving while giving you something tangible to show for it.

For those rainy days, why not create a mini hanging garden in your kitchen? These cheap, easy to install kits are readily available from your local Ikea or on Amazon.

The best part? You're not counting down the minutes until your workout is over. You're simply getting things done. 😉

Your brain likes a little nature 🧠🌿

There's growing interest in the relationship between spending time in nature and mental wellbeing.

Getting outdoors can give your attention a break from the constant stream of notifications of what the Janes and Karens are doing, or those ridiculously unrealistic deadline.

Gardening in particular can be a wonderfully mindful activity — you're focused on what you're doing, rather than what happened five minutes ago or what needs to happen tomorrow.

Sometimes, getting your hands dirty is a pretty good way to get your head clear. 🌱✨

And then there's your microbiome 🦠

Here's where things get interesting.

We're surrounded by trillions of microorganisms, many of which live harmlessly on and inside us. Our relationship with microbes is part of what scientists call the microbiome, and researchers are continuing to learn about how exposure to different environments may influence our immune system and overall health.

But this doesn't mean you should stop washing your hands or deliberately expose yourself to harmful germs. 🦠

Dirt isn't a health supplement.

Good hygiene still matters — especially before eating, after using the bathroom and after handling potentially contaminated materials. 🧼

The idea is simply that we don't need to be afraid of every speck of soil.

So go ahead. Get a little dirty. 🤎🌿

Plant something. 🌱 Pull a weed. 🌻 Repot your favourite houseplant.

Take your shoes off and walk across the grass. 🦶

Do something that leaves a little dirt under your fingernails. 🤲

Then wash your hands, brush twice daily with our Keeko range and get on with your day. 🪥✨

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Keeko Oral Care 🦷✨