6 Health Benefits Of Owning A Dog - A Less Toxic Life
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Dogs, famously known as ‘man’s best friend', are not just sources of joy and companionship.
1. Walk Into Wellness
It’s easy to hit the snooze button and skip your morning workout. But when you have a pair of hopeful eyes begging for a walk, it’s hard to say no. Regular dog walks mean regular exercise for you too. It’s not only about burning calories; these walks can help control blood pressure, enhance cardiovascular fitness, and improve bone and muscle strength. Besides, spending time outdoors in natural light can also boost your mood and Vitamin D levels, essential for overall well-being.
2. Healing With Hugs
Yes, you read it right. Hugging your dog, or even just petting them, releases oxytocin in your brain. This ‘love hormone’ lowers stress, heart rate, and blood pressure, promoting feelings of relaxation, trust, and empathy. It’s a fuzzy, warm therapy session right in your living room, courtesy of your loyal, tail-wagging friend.
3. The Silent Therapists
Dogs are often referred to as ‘man’s best friend,’ but they can also be our silent therapists. They provide emotional support, alleviate feelings of social isolation, and can even help manage mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Their non-judgmental companionship and unconditional love can act as a salve on the wounds of loneliness and stress, improving our emotional wellbeing.
4. Teaching Mindfulness
Dogs live in the moment, and they can teach us to do the same. Observing and interacting with them can bring us back to the present, helping us break free from the constant loop of past regrets and future worries. It’s mindfulness at its simplest and purest, leading to improved mental health and enhanced life satisfaction.
5. The Power of Routine
Dogs thrive on routine; they love their scheduled walks, feeding times, and play sessions. In turn, this can encourage us to develop and maintain our routines, thereby fostering discipline. A structured routine is essential for good sleep hygiene, effective time management, and can even help manage symptoms of mental health disorders.
6. Social Ties
It’s not uncommon to strike up a conversation with fellow dog owners during walks or at dog parks. Dogs can act as social catalysts, fostering community connections and reducing feelings of loneliness. Strong social ties are linked to longer, healthier lives, and what better way to build these ties than with our adorable, furry wingmen?
Borrowed from Stacy Russell