Judgement Free Therapy
Sometimes people underestimate the healing powers and effects that animals have on people. Animals can sense when someone is stressed, upset, lonely , or feeling down. There have been many times when I have been feeling very low and not myself and I noticed my dog remains very close to me and often would come over for a cuddle. I truly believe animals pick up on our feelings. It is so interesting to witness and has really helped to soothe me in those dark days of loneliness.
It's amazing the difference it makes when you simply rub your hands through your dog or cats coat. Its been known to have a calming effect on people - the simple act of petting your animal. People often say in times of anxiety it has helped them a lot. Now i know animals can not speak to you or offer advice, but they can listen. If you have a problem why not tell your dog? You might think it is a mad idea but if you feel alone and like you have nobody, it can most definately make you feel less alone, because well, you are never alone in the presence of your pet are you?
When you are feeling overwhelmed with lifes challenges and dont know where to turn, taking a few minutes down time to sit on the couch with your pet and allow yourself to relax, pet them for a while and appreciate their company can make all the difference. Why not try it? Research has shown that petting your dog or cat (or whatever pet you may have ) can reduce blood pressure and therefore decreases risks of heart attacks. The one that stands out to me the most is that it has been proven that interacting with animals can increase the production of the hormones serotonin and oxytocin - the hormones which helps us to feel happy :) :)
When you feel trapped in your house, not motivated to do anything, your pet can be a means of social interaction especially in times of loneliness. Simply bringing your dog for a walk can be a means to help bring you back out of this awful isolation. Both of you benefit hugely as it's a sure thing the dog would be only too happy to get out and it gets you out in the fresh air amongst nature and can help you to clear your head and also gentle exercise like this can do wonders for your state of mind. And if you dont have a dog yourself you can always borrow one for an hour - offering to walk a friend of relatives dog perhaps? There is always a solution !
So to summarise, animals can have a huge impact in helping us to heal mentally and emotionally and are a great source of companionship. You are never alone.