ANIMALS: Does it seem like time spent with animals is more relaxing? Meditation and breathwork experts at Art of Living conducted research to identify the top wellness trends of 2023, and most involve animals.

We’ve all heard of equine therapy, which is the top wellness trend and has the most providers. Involving interactions with horses, equine therapy is used for mental health and developmental disorders.

The second place trend was yoga with dogs, with the second highest number of U.S. businesses offering Puppy Love Yoga for stress relief and social bonding. Similarly, goat yoga is in third place, offering joy and mindfulness among its practitioners.

Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) is the fourth most sought-after wellness trend, known for reducing stress and boosting the immune system, this Japanese practice involves spending time in a forest to connect with nature.

Ice Bath Therapy holds the fifth spot. Often used by athletes for recovery after intense physical exercise, Ice Bath Therapy involves sitting in ice-cold water for a short period.

Bird Watching takes the sixth spot. Observing birds in their natural habitat can be done for free with just a pair of binoculars for an enhanced experience.

Here’s the one that got our attention.

Cow Cuddling ranks seventh in wellness trends, up 85% from last year, which is the highest on the list. Moreover, cow cuddling is known for reducing stress and offering emotional comfort and relaxation.

We Googled it. The Sunset View Creamery in Odessa, N.Y., describes it as follows: “Cow cuddling is pretty much exactly what it sounds like — hugging, resting against and generally hanging out with our gentle ladies!”

Close-toed shoes are required for participants, and cuddling can only be done with a farm chaperone. Sessions can be scheduled online. Really.