5 Ways To Discover Animal-Assisted Healing

A Beginner's Guide to include animal assisted healing into your wellness plan.

As we step into a new year, it's a perfect time to explore different avenues for improving our well-being. Beyond the familiar routines of exercise and healthy eating, there's a wonderful resource that's often overlooked—animal-assisted healing.

The idea is simple: animals have an amazing ability to support our mental, emotional, and physical health. Integrating animal-assisted healing into your life as a beginner could be a fantastic step towards a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Here are some beginner-friendly ways to explore animal-assisted healing:

Tip #1 - Meet Shelter Pets: 

Visit local animal shelters to spend time with pets waiting for their forever homes. Just sitting and playing with these animals can instantly boost your mood and bring a sense of joy. You might discover a special connection that could lead to fostering or adoption.

Research studies indicate that contact with animals can 1) decrease heart rate, 2 decrease blood pressure, and 3) decrease/ increase certain chemicals in the body (e.g. oxytocin, cortisol). Overall, animals can have a calming effect on the client; this provides a rationale for animal-assisted therapy (Odendaal, 2000).

Tip #2 - Nature Walks with Animal Companions: 

If you have a pet or a friend's pet you can walk, take them out for a stroll in a nearby park or nature trail. The fresh air and the companionship of an animal can be incredibly uplifting and can introduce you to the calming effects of nature combined with animal bonding.

Tip #3 - Practice Mindfulness with Animals: 

Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness with your pet or animals in nature. Simply sitting quietly, observing the animals behavior, and being fully present in the moment can cultivate a sense of calm and deepen the bond between you, your furry friend, or nature.

Tip #4 - Start Small at Home: 

If you're considering getting a pet, start by researching about different animals and their needs. Consider the time and effort required to care for them. Even small pets like fish or hamsters can provide companionship and relaxation.  Look for documentaries, podcasts, or online courses about animal behavior, the benefits of animal companionship, or stories of people whose lives have been positively impacted by animals. Learning more about the subject can deepen your appreciation for the healing connection between humans and animals.

Tip #5 - Learn About Animal-Assisted Therapy: 

Take some time to read about animal-assisted therapy online or in books. This will help you understand how animals can help with various health conditions and might inspire you to explore more structured sessions in the future.

Contact Us to Start Your Healing Journey: 

If you're interested in exploring animal-assisted healing further, contact us about the services we provide at Advocacy Angels Healing Inc. Take the first step toward incorporating these experiences into your wellness routine by reaching out to begin your healing journey.

As we embrace the new year, let's welcome the healing power that animals bring into our lives. By incorporating the companionship and interaction of animals into our wellness routines, we open ourselves to holistic healing, nurturing a healthier mind, body, and spirit.