The bond between people and animals has been strong for eternity, as is also illustrated in ancient sculptures, carvings, and murals of various cultures. It is a fact that pets offer more than just companionship. Over the past three decades of research, it has been discovered that animals have a long-lasting and deep influence on our mental as well as physical wellness. In this article, Dr. Anureet Sethi, Chairperson Co-founder at Trijog – Know Your Mind Pvt. Ltd., shares how pets can enhance our well-being:
Love hormone
Whether playing fetch, taking a long walk, or simply sitting together, pets leave you feeling loved and happy. Studies conducted worldwide have long established that being around furry friends has a two-pronged effect on our brains. The first is the decrease in cortisol, or the stress hormone, due to interaction with pets, which lowers blood pressure. Secondly, being with your pet prompts the release of oxytocin by your brain, a chemical which has popularly been called the 'love hormone'.
Healing touch
Many hospitals and health professionals are using pet therapy as an effective and impactful mode to hasten the healing of patients. Pets are like emotional anchors in today's fast-moving, busy world where more people are becoming disengaged from each other. They elicit mindfulness and are an essential component of well-being because they make humans live in the present by providing a grounding influence. Their need for care promotes empathy and provides an opportunity to destress.
Small and simple acts like stroking a pet's head, cuddling them, playing with them, or just seeing a fish swim around can help lower your anxiety and help induce calmness in your daily life by replacing negativity with positivity. This is particularly useful for trauma patients, the elderly, children, and especially beneficial to those struggling with severe mental challenges.
Living with a pet
The daily routine of living with a pet can be extremely rewarding and satisfying. Taking them on daily walks has physical benefits - not only do you stay fit, it can also lead to new friendships that can help you socially. Unlike complex relationships, pets are not judgemental and provide unconditional support whether you are a success or failure. This provides an emotional safety net where an individual can express themselves freely, which helps build psychological wellness. Their presence helps ease social burden and act like a stabilizing force that cultivates emotional balance and well-being.
Are you a ‘Pet Parent’ or your pet’s ‘Human’?
Humans keep pets for various reasons, such as companionship, service dogs to help with illness, watchdogs, and more. Whatever the reason, the profound impact of a pet on the well-being of a human goes beyond these reasons. The gratification that a companion animal delivers is like none other. In today's era, families are becoming smaller, and pets are integral to the family. There is a reason why pet owners call themselves ‘pet parents’. Their presence gives a sense of purpose and routine that elevates psychological well-being and resilience.
Count your blessings
It is not necessary to always use verbal communication to elevate a person’s mood or mental health. Non-verbal communication, like a lick or a snuggle by your little friend can significantly elevate one's mood, leading to a deeply satisfying life and balanced mental health. The welcome you get when you return home from a hard day at work is usually reward enough for the work you need to put in to maintain your pet. If you have a pet, count your blessings, and if you don’t have one- you must explore adopting a pet to make your life happy and complete.
1/6:Red flags to look out for
<p>Sometimes, to have it all in life-- be it at work or in our relationships-- we end up putting in too much effort, which in turn exhausts us mentally and emotionally. This type of toxic productivity stems from some people strongly believing that their worth-- be it at work or in social circles-- is dependent on how much they can offer to others and not receive or take anything in return. This type of over-functioning is not only unhealthy but can also be detrimental to our well-being. Over time, it can make one feel burnt out and not seen or heard by others. Here we list some signs to look out for if you are over-functioning and how it affects your relationships.<br /></p>TOI Lifestyle Desk
2/6:Taking charge of everything
<p>While being responsible is a good trait, taking charge of every little thing and overdoing it can make one feel exhausted-- at work and even in personal relationships. Remember, every relationship should be balanced when it comes to give and take. Feeling responsible for everything and everyone in your circle can drain you emotionally, and adversely affect your mental health. Instead, try to take a step back and practice self-care and self-love. Let others also put in some effort-- be it in teamwork or friendships and other personal relationships.<br /></p>etimes.in
3/6:Avoiding being vulnerable or stating your needs
<p>If you constantly find yourself avoiding being vulnerable or stating your needs in relationships, then it is a big red flag. By avoiding uncomfortable conversations, you are not standing up for yourself and you might even settle for the bare minimum efforts put in by others. Over time, this can make you feel emotionally disconnected from others and unloved/ unappreciated. Remember, it is okay to voice your needs and concerns respectably.<br /><br /></p>etimes.in
4/6:Being a people-pleaser
<p>Are you a people-pleaser? So much so that you always wish to say the right things because you feel responsible for other people's emotions? Well, then this is a red flag sign you need to beware of. Why? Well, you can't be held responsible for other people's actions, emotions, or words. Constantly pleasing others (even when you don't feel like it) or taking the responsibility of making them feel good regardless of your own emotional needs, would make you feel drained and exhausted.<br /><br /></p>etimes.in
5/6: Overthinking about others
<p>Constantly thinking about other people's needs and wishes and working upon them, while keeping your wishes and desires on the backbench is a sure-shot sign of not prioritising yourself. Remember, you too are important and prioritising yourself is a form of self-love and acceptance. Overtly thinking about others or giving too much in any relationship, would make you feel unheard, unappreciated, or unloved. It is important to note that the behaviour you accept teaches others how to treat you. So be genuine in your relationships, and do not hesitate to be your authentic self.<br /></p>etimes.in
6/6:Neglecting yourself over others
<p>If you always tend to give too much in any relationship, and not ask or receive anything in return-- this would create an unhealthy imbalance in your bonds. While you might not say much or express your disappointment, over time this could lead you to feel neglected or unloved. Remember, it is okay to ask what you need and express your expectations in any relationship. You too are important; speaking up for yourself is a form of self-love.<br /></p>etimes.in
1/7:How to know if your pet is not comfortable in your home
<p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><br /></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">Ensuring the comfort and well-being of our beloved pets is a top priority for every pet owner. However, understanding whether our furry companions are truly content in their surroundings can sometimes prove challenging. Recognizing the signs that indicate your pet may not be comfortable at home is crucial for addressing any underlying issues and ensuring their happiness.</p>TOI Lifestyle Desk
2/7:Alterations in behavior
<p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><br /></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">A prominent indicator that your pet may be uncomfortable at home is a noticeable change in their behavior. This alteration could manifest differently depending on the animal. For example, a typically outgoing and sociable dog might become withdrawn and reclusive, while a normally active cat might display lethargy and disinterest in play. Any significant deviation from your pet's usual behavior should prompt attention and further investigation.</p>
3/7:Avoidance of specific areas
<p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><br /></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">Pets are instinctive creatures, often seeking out environments where they feel secure and at ease. If you observe your pet consistently avoiding particular areas of your home, it could suggest discomfort or unease in those spaces. Take note if your pet refuses to enter specific rooms or demonstrates signs of anxiety when in certain areas.</p>
4/7:Changes in appetite or Eating patterns
<p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><br /></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">Another clear sign that your pet may not be comfortable at home is a shift in their appetite or eating habits. A decrease in food consumption or sudden disinterest in meals could indicate stress or discomfort. Conversely, some pets may exhibit overeating as a coping mechanism. Monitoring your pet's eating behavior can offer valuable insight into their emotional well-being.</p>
5/7:Excessive grooming or Self-harm
<p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><br /></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">Both cats and dogs may engage in excessive grooming or self-harm as a response to stress or discomfort. If you notice your pet obsessively licking, chewing, or scratching themselves, it may signify underlying anxiety or unhappiness. Persistent self-harming behavior requires immediate attention and intervention from a veterinarian.</p>
6/7:Excessive grooming or Self-harm
<p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><br /></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">Both cats and dogs may engage in excessive grooming or self-harm as a response to stress or discomfort. If you notice your pet obsessively licking, chewing, or scratching themselves, it may signify underlying anxiety or unhappiness. Persistent self-harming behavior requires immediate attention and intervention from a veterinarian.</p>
7/7:Aggression or Destructive conduct
<p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><br /></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">Pets may express their discomfort through aggressive or destructive behavior. This may involve growling, hissing, biting, or scratching, particularly towards family members or other pets. Similarly, pets may engage in destructive activities such as furniture chewing, digging, or indoor urination/defecation as a means of coping with stress or anxiety.</p>
1/8:Tips to stay positive and happy
<p>Negativity is a powerful emotion that can deeply affect those around us, including our loved ones. Have you ever found yourself dealing with a friend or relative who always seems to focus on the negative, with every comment and opinion dominated by a negative outlook? Their constant negativity can be draining and impact your mood. To help you stay positive and protect your well-being, here are some practical tips for managing these challenging interactions.</p>TOI Lifestyle Desk
2/8:Change the subject
When you notice the conversation turning negative, instantly change it towards a more positive or neutral topic. Directly telling negative people to stop or pointing out their negativity often isn't effective. Instead, bring up recent good news, shared interests, or enjoyable experiences to guide the conversation in a happier direction. This approach helps keep the mood light and reduces the impact of negativity.etimes.in
3/8:Limit time with them
<p>Negative people can influence us negatively, no matter how positive we try to be. Their negativity can affect our mood and energy. Therefore, it's important to limit your exposure to them. Spending less time with those who bring you down helps reduce their impact on your well-being.<br /><br /></p>etimes.in
4/8:Do not judge
<p><br />When someone is being negative, it’s easy to just call them "negative" and ignore their feelings. This can create problems and misunderstandings. Instead, try to understand that their negativity might come from their own struggles. Don’t judge or label them, and keep focusing on staying positive yourself.<br /></p>etimes.in
5/8:Focus on good things
<p>Consistently remind yourself of the good things in your life, like your hobbies, supportive friends, or personal successes. Thinking about these positive things can help you stay happy and focused, even when you're surrounded by negativity. It can also boost your mood and provide a sense of balance. By regularly recognizing these positive things, you build your ability to stay strong and not let negativity affect you.<br /><br /><br /></p>etimes.in
6/8:Don’t take it personally
<p><br />How a person feels, acts, or thinks is a reflection of their own self, not of you. Their negativity is often more about their own issues than, about anything you have done. Stay compassionate, but don’t let their mood affect your own. Focus on maintaining your positive energy and attitude.<br /><br /></p>etimes.in
7/8:Be an active listener
<p>When someone is sharing their feelings, avoid interrupting and instead listen actively. Don’t plan your response while they’re speaking; focus on understanding their situation to show empathy. This helps you support them without getting caught up in their negativity. Simple actions like nodding, maintaining eye contact, and acknowledging their feelings with supportive comments can show respect while protecting your own mental health.<br /><br /><br /></p>
