Back in February when we first discovered alpaca yoga, our hearts were already full enough.

But - with all the misery that 2019 has had to offer - our hearts have almost exploded with love when we found out alpaca yoga has since become a fully-fledged trend.

According to yoga teacher Rachel Lightbird, exercising alongside wandering alpacas has 'cured' her of anxiety.

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The effects have been so drastic that she has even managed to get her whole town hooked to this furry trend.

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Rachel, from Ulveston, Cumbria suffered for a long time from anxiety but since regularly exercising with these adorable fluffy animals she has gained a new zest for life.

So much so, that she now enjoys these yoga classes with a number of others from her town, admitting everyone loves it, including the alpacas themselves.

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"People were spending time with the alpacas and saying it was the best thing they've ever done in their entire life," she said.



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Perhaps it's the calming influence of the animals or the combination of the alpaca's natural tranquility and fresh air from exercising outside.

"It's a different experience and it's different doing it outside as well. It makes your body relax, it's definitely anxiety relieving," she added.

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"Alpacas are really special because they are so intelligent and inquisitive. They actually calm the nervous system and rebalance the hormones out of anxiety and into calmness. I find it takes me out of myself."

And according to Nicky Bragg - another yoga and alpaca enthusiast - being around the alpacas has relieved much of her internal stress - the kind, she says, that makes you feel like you're constantly about to go for a job interview.

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"There's scientific evidence that the alpacas release endorphins and relieve anxiety." she says.

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The trend began back in February when local farmer Sarah offered her alpacas to Rachel after seeing the success of animal yoga online.