4-Pets Help People be Mindful:
Mindfulness is an invaluable tool that helps us manage our stress levels and cultivate inner peace. Mindful.org defines mindfulness as “the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” Too often, the hustle and bustle of life causes us to pay more attention to external factors than the feelings within ourselves – but this can leave us with an imbalanced sense of well-being. One way of connecting back with mindfulness is through the unconditional love of our beloved pets. Whether it be a dog, cat or other type of pet, playing or cuddling with them can help you stay in the moment and savor each second together. A recent studyThis link will open in a new tab. even found that 87% of people said they feel relaxed after spending time with their pets; this is especially true for those who tend to worry too much – as their pet helps them stay connected to the ‘now’ as opposed to thoughts about the future or past. In sum, mindful moments with your pet are necessary for finding balance and peace in chaotic modern day living
3-Pets can Speed up Recovery:
A positive outlook is key to recovery, and pets prove helpful in this process. The pet visitation programs implemented in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care centers have shown both emotional and physical benefits for those recovering from illnesses or injuries. Specifically, studies suggest that dogs are essential when it comes to helping older patients with physical disabilities. According to the University of Michigan’s study sponsored by AARP, a majority of older adults found that with their pets by their side, it helped them cope with psychological ailments such as anxiety and depression as well as physical pain. The very presence of a pet can provide comfort during recovery in more ways than one.
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