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7 Ways Pets Make You Happier, Healthier

08/18/2014 By Jessica Aycock

7 Ways Pets Make You Happier

While owning pets can be a big responsibility, you get way more out of it than you put into it.

Having a pet can be a lot of responsibility. They’re little beings that need love, shelter, food and care. It may seem like a lot of work, but what pets give back to you can be exponential.

It doesn’t matter which type of pet you fancy, either. Dog, cat, guinea pig, mouse, fish or snake. We connect with them on a level close to that with other humans.

Studies have been circulating for years linking emotional and physical well-being to pet ownership. Lonely and depressed people are urged to get a pet or to volunteer at a shelter where they can have interactions with animals in an effort to boost their social functioning.

While some may balk at the idea that stroking a puppy could make you more social, many swear that having a pet makes them happier, more productive people.

It’s not so difficult to see why when you break it down:

1) A sense of security. This can be key for children with special needs, though we all benefit from a sense of security. Pets can help ease separation anxiety and teach children how to calm themselves in stressful situations. As adults, it can be comforting to know you aren’t going home to an empty house.

2) No more lonely nights. The days of coming home and vegging out on your couch feeling sorry for yourself are long gone. OK, you will probably still veg on the couch if you’re a cat person, but at least you won’t be alone. Pets fill your space with energy and life.

7 Ways Pets Make You Happier

In essence, animals fulfill a basic human need– touch.

3) Get fit. If you have a dog, chances are they’ll need some exercise which means getting up and getting out and walking yourself. Dog owners routinely say a side effect of getting a pup is getting into better shape. Now, that’s not to say you can’t walk a cat– I’ve seen it done– but you probably won’t. This is one area where dogs definitely rule.

4) Zap stress. While pets come with their own stressors as anyone who’s come home to a chewed shoe or accident can attest, they do a heck of a lot to reduce your overall stress. Some studies have shown that petting an animal can ease depression symptoms and even your heart rate, making you feel relaxed. This is why animals are used in hospitals for therapy.

5) A true confidant. Because animals can’t talk, many find it easier to spill the beans to a pet. Service animals are often used in this capacity and provide a safe place for people to talk out their problems. Animals are often used in treatment for traumatic stress for just this reason. Plus, just having someone to talk to who won’t talk back can be pretty sweet.

Pets make you more compassionate and considerate.

Pets make you more compassionate and considerate.

6) Live longer. Pet owners live longer than those without pets. Probably because they’re not as stressed out (see No. 4), are more active (see No. 3) and have something that adds meaning to their lives. Older adults with pets have 30% fewer doctor visits than their counterparts.

7) You’re just a better person. Pets can bring out the best in people. Pet owners tend to show more empathy and compassion to other people. They may be more generous and care more about others. When I was dating, I always knew a guy was decent if he had a pet.

In essence, animals fulfill a basic human need– touch. Pets love unconditionally and add a lot to the lives of their owners.

Take a look around at pet owners you know (or yourself) and see how pets have changed them.

What characteristics do you notice?

 

10 Steps to Detox Your Mind

04/28/2014 By Jessica Aycock

Negative thoughts have a tendency to take over our brain. If we let them.

Don't let negative thoughts consume your mind.

Don’t let negative thoughts consume your mind.

The bad news is that negative thoughts far outnumber the positive thoughts. Some say up to 95% of our thoughts are negative.

The good news is that you don’t have to listen to these inner Debbie Downers. You can stop, reverse, and reduce those negative thoughts. You can cleanse your mind with these 10 simple detox methods.

As Sir Mix-a-lot would say– let’s kick those nasty thoughts.

Write down your thoughts and feelings.

If you find negativity dominating your thoughts, try writing them down. Get them out of your head as soon as you can.

Count your blessings.

Make a list of all the positive things in your life. Keep this gratitude list handy when you need a reminder that life isn’t all bad.

Get moving.

Going for a walk or exercising will release endorphins that battle negative or depressive thoughts. You aren’t required to go running to get this natural high. Walking, swimming, Zumba, and yoga are all physical activities that trigger the release of endorphins.

Question your thoughts.

When you notice negativity creeping in, ask the following questions: Is it true? Can you absolutely know that it’s true?

Don’t judge others.

Many of our negative thoughts can be linked to our perception of others and how they may not live up to our expectations. Practice seeing the situation from their point of view. Realize that their lives are different than ours and that your beliefs may not be the same as their beliefs.

Seek out positive people.

Surround yourself with people who you want to be like: happy, positive, and enjoyable. Their optimism will rub off on you.

Stay busy doing activities you love.

Doing things you enjoy will keep you in a positive state. Still have to do things you don’t like? Do as much as you can to find the joy in whatever you have to do. Blast disco dance music while you wash dishes or watch “Mad Men” while folding laundry.

 

banish negative thoughts with positive activities

Doing things you love can help battle negative thoughts.

Be patient with yourself.

We’ve gotten so used to our negative thoughts that we don’t even realize they’re happening. Don’t get frustrated as you begin to change your thoughts and realize how much your thoughts have been running your life. Give yourself time to adjust and just keep moving forward.

Laugh. Laugh again.

Don’t take life so seriously. Find a way to laugh every day. Here is a corny joke: “What do you call a bear without teeth? A gummy bear.” Tell your friends, children, neighbors, and dentist. We can all use more laughter in our lives.

Help others.

Giving back allows you to focus on someone other than yourself. It occupies your thoughts and prevents them from reverting to negativity. You can volunteer at your local food bank, through national organizations, or even on your military installation. The Navy-Marine Relief Society is a volunteer-centered organization that will train you. No experience required.

Daily exercise is good for your mind and your body.

Daily exercise is good for your mind and body.

Remember: You are not your negative thoughts.

You can choose to cleanse your mind of those negative thoughts at any time. Today is the day you can begin to ditch those mental naysayers and start anew with positive thoughts.

How do you keep negative thoughts away?

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