The Counseling Center is facilitating this wellness event during finals week to allow both our students and our visiting baby goats to enjoy the benefits of connection while engaging in grounding practices. Research shows that interactions with animals has the benefit of reducing overall stress and increasing feelings of joy through the ability to reduce cortisol levels and boost oxytocin. Goats are particularly well suited for this wellness activity as they have a naturally social and curious nature that makes them fun and interactive. They also have an innate ability to read and respond to human emotions, which makes them well-attuned and connected partners. Don’t miss this adorable opportunity to relax and unwind!
Join us on Tuesday May 13th from 11am-1pm on the Quad for Grounding with Goats
Why do goats make great therapists?
Did you know that goats were one of the first domesticated animals? As such, goats and humans have a long history of connection and interaction. Goats also have a naturally curious nature that is attuned to their environment. As prey animals, Goats rely on their senses to closely read changes around them in order to maintain their safety. Because of this skill and their close bond with humans, goats are able to respond to human emotions in a way that is particularly sensitive.
As herd animals, Goats care about their group! They are wired for connection and relationship. As such, they seek out relationships with other goats and humans actively. While this interest in us is a naturally engaging and delightful experience, it also promotes a deep sense of connection and community caring.
Because goats are such socially oriented creatures, observing and engaging in connection with goats can enhance human’s own social needs for relationship and belonging. This emotional contagion often leads to very engaging experiences for both humans and goats and enriched community connection. It’s win/win!