Looking for a simple way to reduce stress and improve your mood?
Spend some time around animals!
It has been shown time and time again that interacting regularly with animals is good for our health and wellbeing. From cats and dogs to birds and rabbits, and everything in between, animals play an important role in many people’s lives – especially those who live alone.
If you’ve ever had a four-legged friend, then you already know how much joy and affection they can bring into your life. I love all animals, but I’m a cat person. Why? Cats purr-fectly suit my personality. They are adventurous, curious, independent and mysterious. And I’ve had (and lost) many over the years, most of them rescue cats. As a matter of fact, a recent visit to an animal shelter inspired me to write this blog. I witnessed the dedication, expertise and hard work of the shelter workers. No doubt, the work is tough, sometimes heartbreaking, but they do a wonderful job on the frontline of animal care.
Do you want a pet but unable to make a long-term commitment? Consider fostering a puppy from your local animal shelter for a month or more. Can't have an animal at your own house? That doesn’t mean you can’t be near them. You can volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation centre. Try pet sitting or dog walking in your spare time.
Or simply take a stroll through the local park or sit quietly in your garden – you don't have to go far to see animals. It's amazing what you can see when you pause and take a moment to look around.
Animals can teach us so much about life – if we’re open to it!
And there are so many benefits of having a furry friend. They can do more than just make us laugh:
- They help us unwind after a long day at work
- They ease loneliness
- They reduce stress, anxiety and depression
- They add structure to our day
- They make us physically active
- They help us develop compassion and empathy
- They accept us just as we are
- They love us unconditionally
- They don’t hold grudges
- They don’t judge
- They teach us how to forgive ourselves and others
- They forgive us – over and over and over again
And when they leave us, sometimes suddenly through an accident, sometimes through old age or sickness – it hurts. It hurts to let them go.
We cry. We grieve. We mourn. The emotional pain is indescribable!! But over time, we heal. Slowly, slowly… we learn to live with our loss. And learn valuable life lessons as a result of losing our pets.
What lessons have you learned from our animal friends?
Eila Mikkonen
Counsellor, Coach & Mental Fitness Facilitator