Dogs are real natural anxiolytics that can help us deal with this lockdown period of the coronavirus emergency
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himDogs are real natural anxiolytics that can help us deal with this lockdown period. Even if Phase 2 has begun, the road to return to normal is still long and our four-legged friends are our allies to overcome anxiety and depression.
We have talked many times about the benefits a dog can give us: cuddling lowers blood pressure with benefits for the whole body, lower risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases. Yet their contact increases the production of endorphins and oxytocin, hormones that bring us a good mood and lowers that of cortisol, the stress hormone. Without considering that then walking their company also helps us to dispose of a few extra pounds. Their unconditional love leads us to empathy and sociability, but also to a sense of responsibility, which allows us to take care of them.
Dogs are an anti-stress and help us to deal with loneliness, there are many who are experiencing the coronavirus emergency lockdown away from loved ones. Now a study published by the Colombian Revista de psychology suggests that dogs can be natural anxiolytics for people going through difficult times. In fact, four-legged friends can provide the same type of social support as family and friends.
The study then refers to mental health closely linked to the presence of a dog. Experts recommend focusing our energy on something positive when depressed, such as playing with your puppy or walking together. According to the researchers, having a dog keeps us active, because it pushes us not to let ourselves go, not to become automatons and fall into apathy. This is especially important for older people who have very different rhythms of life from others.
The puppy with its way of life also allows us to have fun, to remove the fear and the sense of helplessness that we are experiencing in this period. Still, not to be underestimated on a psychological level, there is the question of the so-called 'affective constancy', the dog will never betray us and is therefore a stimulus for those who also have problems with relationships.
But since even our friends can suffer from the change of routine, let's remember to always stimulate their instincts, perhaps with sniffing games at home or with balls and objects that can keep them busy, this type of activity will not only relax them, but also us. . At a time when physical contact with people is minimal or almost zero, their presence can compensate for this lack.
Coronavirus could cause another 'epidemic' that we must avoid: depression
Source: Colombian Journal of Psychology
You can also read about the benefits of a dog:
- How the dog improves life: 10 reasons not to do without it anymore
- Like a dog it improves the health of the whole family. Studies
- Children who grow up with cats and dogs develop greater emotional intelligence and compassion
- Dogs and cats reduce the risk of allergies in children
- The dog waiting for the dead master next to the hospital bed
