- December 04, 2020
The National Institute of Mental Health (US) confirms that nearly 40 million adults in the country suffer from anxiety, and many more are afflicted with depression. Monotonous life, low self-esteem, constant pressure, and lack of physical exercise are considered major causes of depression and anxiety amongst humans.
But, irrespective of the reasons known, most people fall into the trap of mental health disorders. So, ideally,
The burning question is, “What are the remedies to cure stress, anxiety, and depression?”
Although there are many ways available, such as talk therapy, CBT, medication, doctors believe that adding dog therapy to their current treatment improves the chances of a better life. A survey confirmed that interacting with therapy dogs has helped with social and cognitive benefits.
Are you thinking about how dog therapy can help you maintain mental and physical health? Keep reading, and you’ll have your answer right away!
- Companionship and Love on the rocks
“There is no better company than a dog. Period.”
There are times when every one of us feels that no one in the world seems to care or loves us. But do you know that your dog would always make you feel special?
A concept called “human-dog dyad” proves a very close bond between humans and dogs. The relationship is estimated to be over 15,000 years. That’s why around 45% of the people who live alone prefer to keep a dog as their companion. The rest may be cat lovers, but that’s for another article.
- Natural Mood Buster
Thankfully dogs are blessed with the ability to stabilize your intense emotions. Interacting and taking care of your beloved pet helps control anxiety, regulates emotions, and, best of all, makes you happy.
Petting dogs elevate the oxytocin hormone in humans, which is directly related to happiness and relaxation- especially in women! Imagine you are having a bad day at work, and nothing seems right in the world. You go home and get some unconditional love showered all over you by your dog- how does it get any better than that? Everything seems okay with the world again. Right? Experts penned down some of the best dog breeds that help you with emotional assistance, https://americanservicepets.com/esa/best-dog-breeds-for-an-emotional-support-animal/. It is better to research a bit to adopt a dog that fits right into your lifestyle, budget, current and future plans you might have.
- Uplifts and Supports Your Physical health.
How about I tell you that there is a fun way to stay healthy and fit? Sounds confusing?
Many health experts noticed that people who would not keep up with their daily exercise routine never missed walking their dog in the morning. Your dog needs to exercise, and so do you. Almost all dogs love to play, run, and chase. Your dog sniffing around outside gives them a high as they love knowing the local activities and leaving little reminders for other animals to pick up as well. So keep your dog connected by letting them sniff a minimum of 20 continuous minutes per day. Varying the streets you walk on is also a bonus, so be sure to do that at least twice a week for novelty, discovery and variety- all things to boost your dogs’ curiosity and meet their very real need for mental activity. Remember a happy dog is a happy person and vice versa!
Playing and running with your beloved pet is the best way to stay fit and burn some calories without even noticing.
Additionally,
Stress patients are often secluded and tend to shy away from their social lives, leading to anxiety and depression. Having a dog around will help you gain your self-esteem back, and you’ll feel much more confident than before.
Animals are perfect ice breakers when it comes to social gatherings, meeting new neighbors (furry and human) and creating a larger social circle and community. And if you have a furry bundle beside you, it will become even more comfortable. And who knows, maybe if you choose to have an instagram or tic-toc account you will have additional ways to express creativity by capturing your dog’s personality online and with the world! With so many apps and filters to help share highlights about your pet companion- your world can certainly expand to include helping so many people get seratonin bursts on social media and youtube.
Have a dog around, and you won’t stop smiling again!