Why is this good for our emotional health and wellbeing?
Petting animals’ releases Oxytocin (a feel-good hormone) which helps us to feel calm and happy, so stroking a pet is really good if you’re stressed out or feeling low.
How to complete this challenge
Stroke/cuddle your pet cat or dog.
If you don’t have a pet you can stroke, you can:
- Go feed the ducks at your local park or do some bird-watching.
- Visit a local farm or pet shop to look at some furry friends.
- If you like cats you could try visiting a ‘Cat Café’ like this one in Sudbury

Page updated on April 29th, 2026 at 03:52pm