15 Jul Our Original Stress Reliever

Are you part of a pack? If you’re like the rest of us, you are indeed. Dog packs form to build connection, social structure and security. So do we. As far back as 10,000 B.C. dogs have been uncovered laying next to, or being held by, Egyptian mummies. And why not? The stress relief and joy they provide can be life changing.
When we struggle with physical and emotional pain, depression, anxiety or loneliness, we need to “connect with our pet.” Taken together with friends and family, our spirits are lifted and we find comfort. Sometimes this comfort is enough to get us over what seems insurmountable at the time. The power of pets has been studied carefully since the late 70’s, and by the time 2011 came around, even the American Psychological Association went out on a limb and suggested that “everyday people” and others who faced “significant health challenges” often showed improved outcomes related to over-all well-being.
Clients at Center for Healthy Change sometimes bring their dogs in when they visit, and it is very interesting how the effect of these little visitors promote calmness. Even our immune systems function better when we have decreased stress. Check out more here
…and then send us a photo of yours!