A Balm for Depression & Anxiety How One Beekeeper Found Serenity in the Hum of Nature

In this, sometimes, fast-paced and stressful world, it can be challenging to find solace amidst the chaos. But sometimes, unexpectedly, a path reveals itself, leading us to a refuge we never knew we needed. For Katie Hazen, a beekeeper from a small town in Oklahoma, the discovery of beekeeping proved to be a transformative experience, offering solace, purpose, and a renewed sense of wellbeing in the face of depression and anxiety.

After traveling across Oklahoma to grab a couple of new nucs full of healthy bees and queens, Katie Hazen and I made our way down a bumpy dirt road that not many travel daily, which I’m certain is appreciated by the locals. We made it to an area where Katie’s good friend and one of her beehive sponsors lives and hosts a few of her hives near Guthrie, OK.

Admittedly, I almost instantly fell into a relaxed mode as I looked around at the huge mature trees. The nearly untouched landscape was where we needed to carry the nucs. We were transferring the honeybees to their new home.

The small little boxes, which were active little cities and neighborhoods of “worker bees” doing their honeymaking duties in order to keep our ecosystem running. It was as if I were standing in between a few natural generators of energy. In fact. I was.

Turning to watch Katie prepare the hives reminded me of why we were there. The look of calmness surrounded her and you could physically notice the stress being flushed from her body. I was convinced that this is a passion of Katie’s for a reason, and it wasn’t necessarily for the sweet taste of honey.

Unveiling the Hive:

Katie Hazen, a lover of nature, her family, and a cancer survivor, had reached a point where traditional therapies and medications no longer sufficed. “I was in a very dark place.” The resurgence of emotion was obvious as Katie explained how she stumbled upon an intriguing hobby: beekeeping. Little did she know that this seemingly modest pursuit would become her ultimate remedy.

Tending to the Bees:

As Katie delved deeper into the world of beekeeping, she discovered the harmonious relationship between these industrious creatures and her own well-being. The act of tending to her buzzing friends became a ritual that brought her unparalleled joy. The gentle hum of the hive became a soothing melody that drowned out the cacophony of negative thoughts that plagued her mind.

Nature's Healing Touch:

One of the most profound aspects of beekeeping for Katie was the undeniable connection with nature. The serene beauty of the countryside, combined with the meticulous care required to nurture the bees, created a sense of grounding that transcended her troubles. The sights and smells of the blossoming flowers, the gentle touch of the bees' wings on her skin, and the subtle aroma of fresh honeycomb all contributed to a sensory tapestry that allowed her to immerse herself in the present moment, away from the clutches of depression and anxiety.

Building Community:

Katie soon discovered that beekeeping was not merely an individual pursuit but a gateway to a supportive and vibrant community. Local beekeeping associations and online forums provided her with opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who shared her passion for these fascinating creatures. Engaging in conversations, exchanging knowledge, and participating in communal activities not only expanded her understanding of beekeeping but also gave her a sense of belonging that had been absent from her life for far too long.

Mindfulness and Purpose:

The practice of beekeeping inherently demands mindfulness and attentiveness. Katie found that as she honed her skills in hive management, she cultivated a heightened sense of awareness. Every action, from carefully inspecting the frames to ensuring the bees' welfare, required her undivided attention. This mindful focus offered respite from the ceaseless stream of negative thoughts, allowing her to find purpose in a seemingly simple task.

Sweet Rewards:

Beyond the emotional and mental benefits, beekeeping also yielded tangible rewards. Katie relished the sweet nectar produced by her bees, creating her very own jars of golden honey. This harvest provided not only a delicious treat but also a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency. Sharing her honey with friends and loved ones, she witnessed the joy it brought to their faces, reinforcing her belief that she had found her true calling.

Katie Hazen's journey into the world of beekeeping stands as a testament to the power of finding solace in unexpected places. In her darkest moments, she discovered a path that led her back to a place of serenity and purpose. Beekeeping became the balm that soothed her troubled mind and brought a renewed sense of joy into her life. Through her experience, Katie reminds us of the healing potential that lies within nature and the transformative power of pursuing our passions.

As we navigate our own trials and tribulations, let Katie's story inspire us to seek out the hidden gems of nature and life.

HONEYBEES HAVE A UNIQUE WAY OF COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER. THROUGH A DANCE KNOWN AS THE "WAGGLE DANCE,"

WORKER BEES CONVEY INFORMATION ABOUT THE LOCATION OF FOOD SOURCES. BY PERFORMING SPECIFIC PATTERNS AND MOVEMENTS, THEY INDICATE THE DIRECTION AND DISTANCE OF NECTAR OR POLLEN-RICH AREAS TO THEIR HIVE MATES.

WHEN HONEYBEES NEED TO FIND A NEW HOME, THEY ENGAGE IN AN INTRICATE PROCESS CALLED "SWARM DECISION-MAKING."

THE SCOUT BEES EXPLORE POTENTIAL NESTING SITES AND RETURN TO THE SWARM TO COMMUNICATE THEIR FINDINGS THROUGH A DANCE. THROUGH A DEMOCRATIC PROCESS, THE BEES COLLECTIVELY CHOOSE THE MOST SUITABLE LOCATION FOR THEIR NEW HIVE.

ROYAL JELLY IS A SUBSTANCE PRODUCED BY WORKER BEES AND FED EXCLUSIVELY TO POTENTIAL QUEENS. WHAT'S REMARKABLE IS THAT ROYAL JELLY DETERMINES THE FATE OF A BEE LARVA.

IF A LARVA IS CONTINUOUSLY FED ROYAL JELLY, IT DEVELOPS INTO A QUEEN BEE. IF NOT, IT BECOMES A WORKER BEE. THIS NUTRITIONAL DIFFERENCE INFLUENCES THEIR PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS, LIFESPAN, AND BEHAVIOR.

HONEYBEES ARE EXCELLENT THERMOREGULATORS. TO MAINTAIN THE OPTIMAL TEMPERATURE WITHIN THE HIVE, BEES PERFORM A REMARKABLE BEHAVIOR KNOWN AS "HEATER BEES."

THESE SPECIALIZED WORKERS GENERATE HEAT BY CONTRACTING THEIR FLIGHT MUSCLES BUT KEEP THEIR WINGS STATIONARY. BY DOING SO, THEY WARM UP THE HIVE DURING COLDER PERIODS OR COOL IT DOWN BY FANNING THEIR WINGS DURING WARMER TIMES.