How farm animal therapy brings on joy!

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has huge benefits for humans and animals alike, according to a new study at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Their researchers discovered that people (of all ages) who spend as little as one hour engaging with farm animals showed better overall health, had a greater sense of self-worth, were more equipped to cope with stress and had a more positive, joyful outlook.

The reason? Rebecca Johnson, PH.D., head of veterinary medicine research at the University of Missouri in Columbia, explains that interacting with animals floods our brains with oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle hormone,” which generates that loving, warm and fuzzy feeling. “Oxytocin not only makes us feel great,” she says, “it has powerful effects on the body’s ability to heal and to maintain overall health.”

To find your own feel- good farm escape, simply search “farm-animal assisted therapy near me” online, then sign up to volunteer.