Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. – Roger Caras
Life is indeed full of uncertainties, especially at times like this as we experience a global pandemic. As humans, we always desire for certainty. We crave for comfort, support and security and have a sense of control over the things that drain us emotionally and mentally. We like to be in control of everything and know what is happening at all times. And when things get uncertain or we don’t feel safe or in control, we feel stressed or anxious.
Coping with uncertainty.
Life is always full of surprises and uncertainties— but that’s not always a bad thing. Some perceive the pandemic as a threat, but for some, it is an opportunity. Opportunity to reset, reflect, and reconnect.
Despite the uncertainty, you can still find moments of hope and resilience around us. When you’re going through a tough time, one of the things you can do to feel better is connect and talk to someone. However, the pandemic has resulted in many countries enforcing a lockdown, whereby people are forced to stay at home and practice social distancing.
Studies have shown that pets have the ability to improve our overall well-being and make us feel better. They are linked to maintaining better mental health during the lockdown. More than just being man’s best friend, pets are now considered as a family member. The presence of pets in our lives has been shown to help us cope with difficult circumstances and face the unknown.
Pets make us more resilient to difficult situations.
Pets comfort us in the healthiest ways. They can help improve both your physical and mental health. Sharing a home with pets will help reduce feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness, lower the blood pressure, reduce levels of cortisol — the stress hormone, and increase hormone oxytocin levels. All of these changes help create a sense of calm and comfort. They provide unconditional love, unwavering companionship and a sense of connection in difficult situations.
According to Roger Caras, “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole”. There is no doubt. Truly in these circumstances, pets as part of the family can become our support system and having a faithful companion who is always there for us is a true blessing. Caring and loving another living creature give us a sense of purpose and meaning. They help us cope with stressful situations in many ways. Pets simply make our life better and happier.
