Healthy Life Tip: Connect with an animal today!

Contributed by Kezia Holm

If you are sad or lonely, pet a purring cat.

Cats can help those who are lonely feel a connection with another life. Coming home to a cat can provide welcome company to those who are single or widowed. A cat’s purr of contentment has a contagiously calming effect. And caring for another creature – such as a finicky cat – can help you take your mind off your own worries, especially when the cat settles into your lap for a snuggle.

If you want to know how you’re really feeling, spend time with a horse.

Horses sense every emotion that you’re feeling and respond back to it. They give you a very palpable reflection of whatever emotion is traveling through your system. They notice such things as when you’re holding your breath. Researchers have shown that horses not only can recognize facial emotions and body language but also retain a memory of those things.

If you want to get in touch with your inner child, go play with a dog.   

Go for it, get silly, and chase around the living room with a puppy or a frisky dog. Tug on a toy with a dog, wrestle her to the ground over it, and get covered with slobber along the way! Dig a hole to China in the beach with your furry friend. Jump into the water with a dog and race him to see who gets ahead. Get out and shake all the water off as vigorously as the dog does.  No matter if you don’t own a dog – there are plenty of them just a tail’s wag away who will be happy to come out and play with your inner child!