Dogs Help Relieve Stress

Dogs mans best friend – Stress-related illnesses are at an all time high in the world, and there is no sign it will lessen. For the most part, doctors have identified the basic cause of this to be our “seriousness”. By that they mean taking ourselves way too seriously. We place so much pressure on ourselves that any meaningful stress management is impossible. When things are beyond our power to solve, we must drop the ball. This is not easy for non-quitters.

Unhealthy levels of stress present as the following:

Mood changes

Migraines

Hair loss

Worry

Agitation

Sleeplessness

Weight gain

Depression.

Stress contributes to a high percentage of all illnesses, and 70% of all visits to the doctor’s office. But before you see your doctor to ask if Valium is right for you – let’s consider some natural options.

Dogs Mans Best Friend

One doctor’s research of 480 people under stressful conditions found that, “… the top stress reducers are dogs”. People who were facing unbearable situations had the lowest heart rates and blood pressure if they were with their dogs – even lower than those who were with the spouses. Possible reason: Dogs are perceived as completely nonjudgmental.

Dogs love you for who you are and not how popular you are. How much money you have. What car you drive. Whether you are overweight. Is your hair is long or short. Are you wearing make-up or have you shaved?

Dogs are just always happy to see you. When you get home all stressed out, your dog will be there tail wagging.

Laughter is also an antidote to stress. When we laugh, blood flow to the brain is increased and endorphins (that hormone that gives us a sense of well-being) are released and levels of stress drop dramatically. We can begin this healing by laughing at our own selves, our perfect imperfection that makes up all of us. Your dog will also make you laugh, they are all characters and do the most ridiculous things.

Force yourself to be more sociable because under stress our instincts tell us to withdraw and isolate ourselves. Get your dogs leash, all dogs love going for walks, take your dog out for a walk. Nothing could be worse according to stress experts. Isolation allows us to concentrate on our problems, which perpetuates negative thinking – instead of resolving it, we intensify it. When you feel stressed to the max, call a friend or put yourself among children; they have a way of making anyone forget their worries. Volunteer work is a good stress-buster. Playing, running or walking with your dog will relieve stress, dogs are also great listeners. They never butt in and do not try to give you advice, they just listen.

Indecisiveness can intensify stress, so we must learn to be more assertive. Some may associate assertiveness with hostility or aggression. Your tone of voice always gives away how you are feeling. Your dog will warm to this as you get to know each other better. Dogs need to know who is the leader of your pack and will use your tone of voice to judge this often.

When trying to break the sleeplessness cycle, avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco – all of which have negative effects on sleep. Do something calming before bed; a warm bath, soft music, scented candles.

Slowing down nearly everything in your life is another stress reliever. Holistic studies have taught me to stop running for the phone when it rings – why did I always do that? I now concentrate on driving slower, pausing after I park the car in the garage just to relax as I ease into another transition. I don’t hurry my meals, but chew more slowly and with all of this you can feel the stress ebb away.

Love your dog, treat him well and he will be your friend for life. When everything around you may seem a little stressful, your dog will be there. Dogs mans best friend, for life.