At any age, we can be affected by mental health, and as we enter mid-life, it is not unusual for there to be a rise in conditions like anxiety and depression. While there are plenty of ways to boost your mood and reducing the symptoms that come with mental health issues, your dog is actually one of the best, and you might be surprised by how much they can do for you. Here are some of the ways in which your dog is able to help with your mental health.
#1 Alleviating Anxiety and Depression
Just by petting your dog, you are releasing an extra dose of the hormone oxytocin into your body. This is responsible for lowering your stress levels, anxiety, and even your blood pressure and heart rate. It creates a calmer and more peaceful state of mind, alleviating feelings of anxiety and despair.
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Similarly, there have been studies to show that dogs can actually help to balance the serotonin in our brains, leaving us with a boosted mood. In addition to this, our dogs can sense our moods and emotions, reacting accordingly to give us comfort when we need it – something that can help with both depression and anxiety.
#2 Giving You a Constant Companion
They are always there to listen to you when you need them, and also for you to hug when you are feeling low. As your friend and confidant, they will never judge, and nothing you can say will change the way they see you. Plus, you can rely on them not to tell anyone your secrets or fears.
#3 Bringing Routine to Your Day
It can be easy to lose track of structure and routine when you are struggling with your mental health, but a dog is able to help you get everything back on track. They need to be walked for at least an hour, fed, watered, let outside, and played with to keep them mentally stimulated. Getting yourself back into a routine can help to organize your mind and give you something to focus on.
#4 Helping You Find Purpose
During mid-life, and really any point in time, you may find yourself struggling to find a purpose. A dog needs you to get up every day and care for it, as you are the only one who can look after them. Knowing that you have been able to do a good job of looking after them and keeping them alive will also leave you with validation and a sense of self-worth, supporting your new found purpose in life.
To Conclude
Hopefully, this has helped you gain a better understanding of the relationship between dogs and your mental state. If you found it interesting and would like to know more, you can find a detailed article on it here. Dogs bring so much to our lives, from a reason to get up every morning and a constant companion that loves us unconditionally. They never ask for much in return, and they can have an incredible impact on the way we feel – even sensing when our moods and emotions change.
About the Author
Will is a freelance writer, his blog can be seen here. If you are interested in more information on the benefits of dog ownership including health tips, buyer’s guides, and gear reviews. Follow on Facebook or Twitter.
2 thoughts on “How Your Dog Can Boost Your Mood and Mental Health”
Wonderful! As a suitable supplement I recommend this “Red Tea”!
Alex
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