Stress and Pets
Occasionally, looking after pets can be as stressful as raising children. However, it is more often the case that pets help to relieve stress.
Studies have shown that patients recovering from surgery heal significantly faster if they have a pet. Stress has been linked with a higher occurrence of infection, so by having something that reduces stress – in this case, a pet – then the chances of infection are diminished, speeding up recovery time.
There are many psychological bonuses to pets. They provide constant responsibility, which makes them difficult to ignore. Pets are largely unaware of your problems, so they help to shift your focus away from any issues that you might have when you attention is turned towards caring for your pet. By moving your thoughts away from a situation that is stressing you, your stress levels automatically fall.
Stress can bring about the ‘fight or flight’ defence mechanism that all animals – including humans – have. When your attention is diverted from a stressful issue or situation, it allows your body to calm down. When returned to your normal state, it is known as homeostasis, something that stress interferes with.
When they’re not creating stress, dogs are fantastic companions and help to relieve stress. There are times when their behaviour can actually aggravate any stress that you are suffering from. However, normally they provide an outlet to help relieve stress. A walk in the park or a game of fetch is a great stress buster. The simplicity of a dogs life – wanting to play, be fed, and get the occasional pat – helps people to remember that life doesn’t always have to be a challenge. The simple things in life are often the best.
For over 10,000 years dog have lived with humans in a domesticated setting. Their presence in people’s lives has been shown to alleviate stress. Whether you’re a hiker, hunter or fisher, having a dog by your side amplifies the good affect of the activities you are undertaking.
Some people don’t have the time or resources to take care of a cat or a dog though. But they don’t have to miss out. Caring for tropical fish takes a certain level of effort, and that effort can move your mind away from whatever problem is stressing you. Added to that, watching sea creatures swim and interact can be extremely relaxing.
Of course, you don’t have to stick to cats and dogs – many animals exhibit behaviours that people think is amusing. And studies have shown that laughter is indeed the best medicine when it comes to reducing stress.
Communication between humans and animals is obviously different than communication between people, but that can be of benefit. An animal is not going to add to your stress with their pessimistic thoughts about a problem. Instead, you get support, and the only thing that they want in return is some affection and dinner.
There’s nothing more you could really ask for in a companion.
Introduction to Stress
What Causes Stress
Stress - How NOT To Deal with Stress
The Effects of Stress
Managing Stress and Your Health
Causes of Stress at Work
How to Deal with Stress
Stress and Diet
Conquering Stress – How to Conquer Stress
Stress and Exercise – How to Relieve Stress with Exercise
Stress and Alcohol
Tackling Stress in the Modern World
Stress Curing Techniques – How to Deal with Stress
Curing Stress at Work – How to Cure Stress at Work
Curing Stress – Pruning the Roots
Stress Guide and Info
Stress and Money Issues
Stress from Parents, Teenage Dilemmas
How to Deal with Parenting Stress
Manage Stress Living Together with Your Partner
Managing Stress around the Holidays
|
