Stress&Pets

Because stress affects human health and performance, we must learn to control it before it controls us.

Having a pet can reduce your stress. Studies have shown that when people pet an animal there are calming effects that can be measured, for example, blood pressure and heart rates decrease. Also, cardiac patients who have pets are shown to live much longer than those who have no pets at all.

Not only do pets make you laugh, but they provide companionship and, therefore, alleviate your loneliness. A pet gives you unconditional love and affection, and is always there to greet you without requiring you to perform. In the case of fish, just observing their graceful movements underwater can calm those who are upset. This being the case, aquariums are sometimes used in elegant restaurants to set a tranquil mood, in children's waiting rooms of doctors' offices to distract from fear, and in counseling offices to promote a non-threatening atmosphere. In still other cases, for example, some doctors and therapists recommend that people in high-stress jobs set up aquariums in their offices. The assumption is that the relaxing atmosphere of the fish swimming gracefully in the aquariums has the potential of relaxing these workers.

In the case of cats and kittens these are usually a bundle of joy. Who can resist a playful kitten? Because a kitten lives for the joy of the moment, he/she can often entice you to put the pressures aside for a moment of spontaneous fun. If you are not yet ready for the responsibilities of owning cats, try visiting a pet store and just playing with the cats and/or kittens. Whereas a cat may not be so playful, because of increasing age, it can offer you unconditional closeness in its gentle easy way. When a fluffy warm cat nestles in your lap, or at your feet, this usually brings about a feeling of relaxation. The relatively clean environment of cats and kittens make them one of the best choices.

Dogs and puppies insist on having fun. Some dogs provide hours of relaxation as they play with you fetching a ball, tugging on a rope, or catching Frisbees on the beach. Not only do you get the emotional benefits of having a pet, a dog can remind you to take regular breaks for exercise. Always having a dog who requires a walk at regular intervals can excuse you from other stressful duties. It is no wonder that a dog is oftentimes referred to as "...man's best friend."

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