I am not afraid to admit that the stress and anxiety of life can sometimes be overwhelming and it can put me into a funk. There are days when it is harder to get out of bed and face the world than other days. Those are the days when I feel extremely blessed to have 2 furry, lovable dogs in my life. Here are 4 ways dogs help clear the funk:
1. They make us laugh.
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Dogs often provide levity in this crazy world because they do the funniest things! It is true about laughter being a strong medicine. It triggers healthy physical and emotional changes in the body and can strengthen our immune system, boost mood, and help diminish pain.
2. They lower our anxiety.
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Spending just a few minutes with your pup can lower anxiety and blood pressure, and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, two neurochemicals associated with calm and wellbeing.
3. They get us up and moving.
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My favorite part of the day is getting outside and going for a walk with my dogs. It helps me to put things into perspective and get some steps in!According to the Mayo Clinic regular exercise can increase self-confidence, improve your mood, help you relax, and lower symptoms of mild depression and anxiety. Exercise can also improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety.
4. They provide us with entertainment.
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Most of us have times where we feel unhappy, restless or irritable. There are several natural methods for boosting your mood but my favorite is watching one of two funny dog videos that you can find on social media channels like Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. After watching, my mood instantly improves.
How can you no love dogs!! They literally are the best!