Mutts & Mental Health
Dogs: They’re cute, they’re cuddly, and did you know they’re good for your health?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which means taking some time to check in with yourself, slow down, and practice self-care. Our mental health matters just as a much as our physical health. If we aren’t paying attention to what is happening in our brain, our brain most certainly won’t let us pay attention to anything else going on inside our body, or outside of it. And that includes the wonderful, tail-wagging creatures that are always seeking out our attention.it stand out
Lucky for us, our pups have a number of mental health benefits. They’re looking out for our wellbeing, even when we have trouble doing it ourselves.
Dogs force (er, encourage) us to get outside and get active. As any dog parent knows, owning apet means taking your dog child outside to pee and out around the block multiple times a day, whatever the weather. For people suffering from depression or anxiety, going outside can feel burdensome, nerve-wracking, or just like “too much” some days. However, studies show that the endorphins from regular exercise can fight depression just as much as an antidepressant. Spending time outdoors lowers our stress, helps with our breathing, and gives us opportunities to practice mindfulness. Your dog has the right idea when she stops to smell the . . . well, just about everything.
Dogs get us into a routine. They also make great alarm clocks. Next time your dog wakes you up in the morning with drooly kisses or makes a scene at end of the workday to remind you that it’s dinner time, thank him! He’s doing his part to keep you moving through a healthy daily schedule. Routine is a BIG deal for maintaining good mental health and is a key element of treatment for just about any mental illness. This includes waking up and going to bed at approximately the same time each day to regulate your circadian rhythms, eating meals throughout the day to keep your energy up, and taking breaks during a stressful workday. Those of you working from home get bonus support for this last item: your dog will make sure you take lots and lots of play breaks. For your health.
Dogs really are our best friends and greatest confidants. When you adopt a dog, you get a live-in bestie who is always ready to go on an adventure or just hang out together on the couch. Animal companionship has innumerable health benefits. It satisfies the human need for touch and physical closeness, which in turn soothes stress and reduces anxiety. It makes us feel loved and needed, boosting our confidence and sense of worth. It means that we have another being to talk to and engage with, which is particularly helpful for people living alone who might tend toward low moods in isolation. Research has actually found that isolation and loneliness correlate with a shorter life span, while a relationship with a pet can increase longevity. Hear that? Science says your dog has the power to help you live longer!
There you have it: conclusive evidence that having a dog is just as good for you as eating your veggies or doing squats at the gym. So, this Mental Health Awareness Month, treat yourself to an afternoon at the beach with your four-legged dopamine fix, or maybe an extra-long snuggle sesh. Your brain—and your dog—will thank you!
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xo
Team Wags