Improve mental/physical health, reduce stress with goat yoga session Saturday at Blessing-Rieman

QUINCY — A session of goat yoga at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences, 3609 N. Marx Drive, is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 4. The session is sponsored by the Blessing Nurses Alumni Association as part of its observance of National Nurses Week.

Goat yoga is similar to traditional yoga during which participants follow the lead of a teacher, performing different poses designed to enhance flexibility and strength. During a goat yoga session, baby goats — known as kids — join the human participants. Goat yoga has been proven to improve mental and physical health. Scientific studies have confirmed the positive effects of human-animal interaction on well-being. Research has shown that spending time with animals can reduce stress levels and even alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The fee to participate in the goat yoga session is $30 for adults and $14 for children 12 and under. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Each participant will sign a liability waiver at the start of the session. Participants need to bring a yoga mat to the session if they don’t want to be directly on the grass, but it is not required to participate in the class.

To register and pay the session fee, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1RfDLhh2DrLnW-qwEOYBSDQPTQChovOmDNhI_b7jq5Ro/edit. Payment may be brought on the day of the goat yoga session but must be paid before the start of the class.