Hugging cows, also known as “koe knuffelen” in Dutch, is an adorable wellness trend that’s becoming more and more popular around the world. Since it’s difficult to travel to the Netherlands right now, you’ll be happy to hear that there are many places where you can try this no matter where you live.
The new self-care trend requires access to cows and not much more. It’s believed that hugging a cow is very soothing and therapeutic. After taking a tour of a farm, you would typically embrace an animal and let its warmer temperature, big size, and slow heartbeat calm you.
It all began in rural provinces of the Netherlands over 10 years ago. Cow hugging is today a part of a movement to bring people closer to nature. Farms in Rotterdam have started offering cow hugging sessions and they were soon followed by farms in Switzerland, the US, and other countries.
Cows also enjoy the experience! According to a 2007 study, cows get very relaxed when they are getting a massage in parts of their neck and back, so you don’t have to worry about being selfish here. Bonding like this might be just what you needed.
