Stress can have a severe impact on your life if it is not taken care of and can ultimately lead to mental health issues and instability. Of course, there are the cliché responses that you may often get told on how to deal with the mind-boggling reality of stress, like “stay positive” or “have you tried yoga?”, but there is a different method to cope that is, for some reason, barely ever spoken about, and it is getting a pet!
Having a furry friend to keep you company and, of course, be a constant cuddle buddy is actually a scientifically proven method that can reduce stress levels, boost your confidence, and even make you more fit, and here is how.
Meeting New People
Pets are actually a great conversation starter for their owners when walking down the street or enjoying a day at the park. Dog owners often stop and talk to each other when they notice that you, too, have a furry friend. Dog owners also often meet new people in pet stores, clubs, and training classes and tend to build friendships within the community. Having a pet can play a significant role in boosting your confidence as well as overcoming forms of social anxiety in public places.
Providing Stress Relief
When stressed, they say to find one thing that each of your five senses can focus on. With pets, you can focus on touch, sight, and, sometimes, smell. Playing with a dog or cat tends to increase our levels of dopamine, as well as serotonin – the hormones that are in control of calming your nervous system. When we smile and laugh at our pets’ loving behavior, that helps stimulate the release of our “happiness hormones”, boosting our mood. Furthermore, being around your pet all day can regulate these emotions and help you balance them more coherently in your everyday lives.
Increasing Exercise
Going to the gym can sometimes feel like dreadful task especially when dealing with mental vulnerabilities such as depression, making it difficult for one to adhere to tasks, but did you know that taking your dog for a walk, hike, or run are fun and rewarding ways to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule? Studies have shown that dog owners are far more likely to meet their daily exercise requirements. Not only will it allow you to maintain your weight or even shed off those few extra pounds, but it will deepen the connection between you and your pet, eradicate most behavioral problems in your dog, and, of course, keep you motivated to complete your daily exercise, which is known to be a catalyst in reducing anxiety-related symptoms and more.
They Make Us Feel Needed
We all have those down days where we are confused about our purpose. With a pet, people feel more needed and wanted because they have something to care for. The act of caretaking has several mental health benefits. Caring for another living thing gives us a sense of purpose and meaning, ultimately uplifting our moods and decreasing loneliness and even symptoms of depression.
So, that settles it! If you already have a pet, go out for a run and then have a cuddle session, and if you do not, always remember that there are several ways to adopt – it will benefit the both of you.
Pet Adoption Resources in the UAE
K9 Friends
K9 Friends has been in operation in the UAE since 1989 with their main aim being to rescue and rehome stray and abandoned dogs with a very successful homing process whereby each dog is neutered, health-checked, and then carefully matched to its prospective new family.
Para UAE
Para UAE is an Emirati non-profit organization that aspires to rescue animals, relocate them to good homes, and is an animal welfare education organization putting their best heart forward for abandoned animals in the UAE.
Sharjah Cat & Dog Shelter
Sharjah Cat & Dog Shelter project was made possible thanks to the generosity, forward-thinking, and love for animals and their environment by His Royal Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qassimi, member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Sharjah. It is a non-profit shelter that rescues abandoned pets and finds them homes.
Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center
Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre was opened in 2010. RAKAWC is a non-profit government-funded organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals. RAKAWC is supported by the government of Ras Al Khaimah, with the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. It opened its doors in January 2010. The center has since grown into a center of excellence for animal welfare, thanks to the help of our staff and volunteers.