Appreciate the Power of Pets

 STRESS BUSTERS

October 14: Appreciate the Power of Pets Animals have the ability to lower our stress, anxiety, and depression. They can also ease loneliness, encourage us to be more active, and provide an overall boost to our well-being. Perhaps most importantly, though, pets add real joy and unconditional love to our lives! Take time for some belly rubs with your four-legged bestie and notice any changes in your mood.*

Lower Your Stress with All Pets Remember, a pet doesn’t necessarily have to be a dog or a cat. Even watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce muscle tension and lower heart rate. From fish to guinea pigs to dogs and cats, interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol and lower blood pressure.  *If you know you do not want a pet, you should not get one. Taking responsibility for a pet you are not interested in will likely cause increased stress rather than stress reduction.

The Power of Pets / How Owning a Dog or Can Can Reduce Stress