What We Do
Our wellness program combines beekeeping with mindfulness practices.
Beekeeping For Veterans wellbeing program helps decrease distress and improves mood. The effects of our program are measurable, as seen by an increase in the release of endorphins in the person interacting with bees. While beekeeping one needs to maintain a calm mind and be mindful of their movements. In addition during beekeeping, one will feel a positive rush of adrenaline.
Mindfulness helps reduce anxiety and we think it’s particularly relevant regarding PTSD for combat Veterans, because it teaches people to be in the moment, in the present, and not to be thinking about combat engagement [or other stressful or traumatic events].
Combining beekeeping and mindfulness practices is a win-win for the veteran.
Why Beekeeping
Working bees requires that you be conscious and “in the moment”. Honey bees will quickly remind someone who has drifted mentally to other thoughts or stressors in a progressive manner, starting with a change in the sound of the hive, progressing to bumping the beekeeper and buzzing around their heads prior to attempting to sting. Working the hives can be very relaxing, as can sitting and watching the bees come and go.
OUR MISSION
Beekeeping For Veterans has a two part mission.
Our social impact is to help veterans overcome issues with PTSD, assisting them to overcome emotional and mental trauma, and help them become better members of society
Our environmental impact is to put more bees into the world. Bees are pollinators and are now on the endangered species list. Bees are responsible for one out of every four bites of food that we eat. Without bees there is no food.
Beekeeping is Helping Vets Fight PTSD and Anxiety
Veterans are using beekeeping to help fight PTSD and anxiety.
Beekeeping as a source of therapy is still in its infancy, but the buzz surrounding it is catching on.
Veterans who’ve been taking on the activity say they’ve felt relaxed, focused, and more productive.
“When things get really hectic, crazy, and you want to relax, you just put your chair out in front of the beehive and watch then go in and out.”
Contributing to something greater than themselves, like saving an important part of the Earth’s ecosystem, greatly increased their sense of duty despite being out of the military.
Bees have a lot to teach us and the life
of the healthy hive is rich
To participate in our program