Pets and stress relief

[hippiepower]

Hi, do you consider getting a pet for stress relief a type of natural healing? I read this article a little while ago and it helped me tremendously. I have a dog now that is my best friend, couldn't imagine one day without her.

Hope this helps....someone, anyone.

[Health Dr. 1]

Carlee,
I would definitely consider a pet to be a type of “natural” therapy. Cats and dogs are both employed in hospitals and various care facilities in order to raise morale and possibly to stimulate healing. Companionship in its many forms is extremely important to emotional wellbeing and can be a very potent form of stress relief. Working with animals, horses in particular, is even being incorporated into some correctional institutions for its therapeutic value with inmates.

[hippiepower]

Thanks Health Dr. 1!! That is some groovy info. Many people argue that animals are theraputic, but I have always felt different.

Have a great day!

Peace and Love Carlee

[MGL]

Animals are definitely a theraputic tool for some people. They don't judge and accept you for who you are. This helps with self acceptance of yourself and others.

[abiannebane]

Professionals working with children have also written about the benefits of pet ownership. Erikson's (1963) stages of psychosocial development provide a useful framework for considering potential benefits. Pets may contribute to the development of 1) a child's basic sense of trust through the pet's constancy, security, reliability, love and affection, and ability to serve as a transitional object; 2) a sense of autonomy and initiative through the pet's serving as an active playmate and promoting exploration of the environment, and encouraging patience and self-control; 3) a sense of industry through the pet's trainability and response to the child's basic commands; and 4) a sense of identity through the pet's serving as a companion and confidant, and providing social and emotional support (Blue, 1986; Brown et al., 1996; Bryant, 1990; Robin and ten Bensel, 1990). Others have focused on specific qualities that may be enhanced in children growing up in pet-owning households. Some researchers have found that children with pets score higher on measures of empathy, self-esteem and self-concept than those who do not.

"An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language."
Frontline Spray and pet wormers

[johndavidson]

Great information there. thanks!

[adamsmith]

I am growing fish in my home. It greatly helps me to reduce my dtress, when I watch them while in anger and stress. It is definitely a best option.

Hemorrhoids Cure