Ever been bored and want to try something new? Ever wanted a whole new experience interacting with nature? Ever tried to come up with a plan for enjoying retirement? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then beekeeping may be for you. Beekeeping is a wonderful hobby suitable for all ages and is a very family friendly, leisurely event for you to spend your idle time on. Beekeeping has many benefits to the human mind and growth, including improvement in mental health.
One of the most notable benefits of beekeeping is the peace of mind it brings. A time dedicated to enjoying nature and having time to yourself in a tranquil surrounding can help relieve stress. This is proven by multiple studies, one of which is Havard Health publishing an article about individuals in nature show less activity in the prefrontal cortex, which regulate emotions. Beekeeping takes it one step further, as you can observe the patterns and motions of the tiny and fluffy creatures, keeping your focus on what is in front of you. Beekeeping is so effective in improving mental health, it has even been used by veterans who suffer from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) to find a sense of peace.
Other benefits of beekeeping include helping promote biodiversity in your local community and improve the ecosystem overall. The pollination of bees promotes germination and spread of crops and flowers, bringing improvement to the environment and makes your garden even better than it is. Furthermore, you could harvest bees wax and honey, which could be used to make DIY candles and for consumption. Honey itself also brings many health benefits. It improves blood sugar level as it increase levels in the hormone responsible for reducing inflammation and improving blood sugar regulation. Honey is rich in antioxidants, which can reduce risk of heart diseases and certain cancers. It is also capable of keeping down a cough when drunk with warm water. Last but not least, it could help individuals confront the fear of bees and insects. Contrary to common belief of hostility, bees are actually rather docile. Treating them with care and caution would allow you to build a friendly relationship with nature.
Beekeeping requires focus and can train your patience and persistence, and is a wonderful activity when done right, and from personal experience, can hook you in and provide a healthy escape from reality. All you need to do is research about their behaviour and how to care for them, then buying the right equipment such as beehives, bees wax frames, and finally ordering bees and you are good to go.
