Spring into Healing: Animals and Nature Supporting Mental Health

This is my favorite time of the year. Trees and flowers are blooming, animals are being born and the days are getting longer. For many, including myself, it is an opportunity to reset emotionally, especially after the long winter. For the clients at Heartfelt, they have had the opportunity to feed baby calves, let the chickens out of the stuffy winter coop and let the mini's play in a little more green space.

This time of year can also be important to our mental health. Individuals who struggle through the long, cold winter months, can find fresh, rejuvenating energy this time of year. Through simple acts of feeding, grooming or simply observing animals, we can create a feeling of calm, peace and empathy. By connecting with nature and animals, we reduce our cortisol (stress hormone) and anxiety and increases our oxytocin (bonding hormone) which can lead to increased motivation for routine and exercise. Clients have learned to express empathy for baby calves that can no longer be with the mom's or understanding that too much green grass for our mini animal partners is not good for them.

Spring can be the gentle nudge we need to move forward. By embracing nature and connection to animals, clients have the opportunity to find healing that is natural, accessible and deeply rooted in rural communities. Heartfelt takes this opportunity to welcome Charlie to the animal professional team to help clients navigate through the spring.

Charlie - our newest team member

Hobo getting some spring hugs

Note: The content provided in this blog is not intended for therapeutic advice. The intention of this blog is to provide information, resources and education.

Striving for Social Confidence

What do you think of when you think of attending a gathering or social event? If the feelings of uneasiness, nervousness or even dread, then keep reading for tricks and tips on how to enjoy being in a group.

Whether it's a casual gathering, a networking event or a one-on-one conversations, social anxiety can make interacts feel overwhelming. There are ways to help to navigate these moments with more confidence and ease by follow some of the suggestions below.

First let's figure out what social anxiety really is by sharing what it could look like. Social anxiety is more than shyness, it's the fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social settings. It can show up in different ways for different people. For example, overanalyzing what to say before speaking, avoiding eye contact or struggling with small talk, feeling self-conscious about body language, voice, or appearance or experiencing physical symptoms like sweating, rapid heartbeat, or nausea. Social anxiety affects millions of people but with the right strategies for you, it can be managed effectively.

Strategies

1. Prepare Without Overthinking - A little preparation can boost confidence, but overthinking can increase anxiety. If your heading into a social setting, take a moment to think of a few conversations starters, set realistic expectations and remember that people are often focused on the party, not analyzing you.

2. Use Grounding Techniques - When anxiety spikes, grounding techniques can help bring you back to the present moment. Box breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 method or object focus strategies can all help to manage anxiety in tough situations.

3. Reframe Negative Thoughts - Anxiety often stems from negative self-talk. Change these thoughts by asking questions such as "Is this thought based on facts or assumptions?", "What's the worst that couple happen? How likely is that really?", and "How would I respond if a friend had this worry?". Shifting from thinking that everyone is judging you to people just want to connect can make a big difference.

4. Start Small and Build Confidence - don't make your first outing one that feels overwhelming, start with lower-pressure interactions by engaging in brief conversations with coworkers or baristas, attend smaller gatherings before big events and set small goals, like making eye contact or asking one question. Confidence grows with practice, so take gradual steps outside your comfort zone.

5. Have an Exit Strategy - If anxiety becomes overwhelming, it's okay to take breaks. Have a exit plan to step outside for fresh air, excuse yourself to the restroom for a reset or letting a trusted friends know you may need support.

   
   

   If social anxiety significantly interferes with your daily life, therapy (like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can be incredibly helpful. Therapists can provide personalized strategies to build confidence and reduce anxiety in social settings. Social anxiety doesn’t have to control your experiences. By using small, practical strategies and shifting your mindset, you can navigate social situations with greater ease. Remember—progress, not perfection!

   
   

   

   “Horses help us to learn about ourselves, and to overcome our fears and limitations.” – Linda Kohanov.

   
   

   Note: The content provided in this blog is not intended for therapeutic advice. The intention of this blog is to provide information, resources and education.

Kindness is Contagious

Every person we encounter is living their story. Each story has chapters that include joy, sorrow, triumph and struggle. Some stories are lighthearted and easy to share, while others are heavy and hidden beneath the surface. People guard these stories for many reasons they have felt they needed to keep themselves safe. Yet, the stories are what make us human, a weaving basket of experiences that connect us all.

Life has become somewhat rushed and transactional, running from one activity or event to the next. It is so easy to forget that everyone we encounter carries their own burdens and dreams. What if we paused to remember this simple truth? What if, instead of rushing past each other, we chose kindness?

Imagine the last time life became hard for you, managing was all you had the energy for. Now, consider how a small act of kindness—perhaps a smile, a patient ear, or a thoughtful gesture—helped lighten your load. It’s often the simplest moments of compassion that remind us we’re not alone.

Now flip the perspective. The person who cut you off in traffic might be rushing to a hospital. The barista who forgot your order might be battling anxiety. The colleague who snapped at you might be going through a personal crisis. Everyone has a story you don’t fully know, and it’s this understanding that can transform our interactions. If we had just a little more kindness, understanding and patients where would we be?

Kindness isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about small, everyday actions that ripple outward. Holding the door open, offering a compliment, or even just making eye contact with a smile can brighten someone’s day. These moments require little effort but can have a profound impact. The importance of not waiting for the thank you but doing it because of kindness.

Science supports this, too. Studies show that acts of kindness release endorphins, the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. They also lower stress and improve overall well-being—for both the giver and the receiver. Kindness, it seems, is contagious. When you act kindly, you inspire others to do the same, creating a chain reaction of positivity.

Now, lets chat about some realities. Sometimes, we resist being kind because we’re tired, busy, or caught up in our own struggles. Other times, fear of rejection, looking foolish or being judged holds us back. But consider this: kindness is never wasted. Even if the recipient doesn’t respond as you hope, your effort plants a seed. You might never see it grow, but it’s there, influencing their story in ways you may never realize.

Being kind doesn’t require perfection or endless energy. It simply requires intention. Here are a few easy ways to incorporate kindness into your day:

• Pause before you react: If someone frustrates you, take a breath and choose a compassionate response.

• Listen actively: Sometimes, people don’t need solutions; they just need to be heard.

• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge someone’s effort, even if it seems minor.

• Extend grace: Forgive mistakes—your own and others’.

At the end of the day, our stories are enriched by the kindness we’ve given and received. When we choose compassion, we create a ripple effect that extends beyond our immediate circle, touching lives in ways we might never see.

So, the next time you feel too busy, too tired, or too disconnected, remember: everyone has a story. And being kind? It isn’t that hard. It’s a choice—a small but powerful one—that can make the world a better place, one moment at a time.

Let kindness be the legacy you leave in the pages of your story.

Note: The content provided in this blog is not intended for therapeutic advice. The intention of this blog is to provide information, resources and education.

Kindness between these two is healing for both

My niece is an ambassador of kindness and makes these shirts