Photo by iStock/Kate_Sept2004
There’s nothing quite like the joys of having fluffy friends in your life. Beyond the companionship and cuddles, interacting with animals may actually offer a variety of potential benefits that can improve physical and mental health.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, even brief interactions with animals can help you reap some of these benefits:
What if you want to have animals in your life without the responsibility of pet ownership? Consider these five ways to interact with animals outside of owning your own pet.
Studies published in Aging & Mental Health have shown that volunteering can be linked to lower levels of loneliness. Why not volunteer to play with animals, take them for walks, give baths or provide training support?
Many zoos, aquariums and even farms offer live or recorded footage of animals. The goal is to teach viewers about animals’ habitats and behaviors. Who knows? You might catch a mother gorilla at a zoo caring for her babies or a herd of sheep grazing in a field in Ireland.
According to research published in the journal PLOS ONE, birdwatching is an activity rooted in nature that involves mental, physical and emotional stimulation. Start by visiting local or national parks with a pair of binoculars and a beginner bird guide. Another option is to join a local bird-watching group — a great way to socialize with others.
Animal cafés have become popular in cities around the world. Guests are encouraged to observe and interact with the animals as they sip on their latte.
You don’t have to do much more than step outside your own front door to be surrounded by squirrels, birds, insects, neighborhood pets and more. Get some physical activity while keeping your eyes and ears out for the critters all around you.
