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.