One of the things I always tout on this blog is making sure that people use multiple means of coping with their anxiety. This is by far the best way of ensuring that your anxiety disorder can be managed effectively. Normally people think of shrinks, drugs, or herbs as good remedies for an anxiety disorder and in fact these all have their merits. But there are other lesser talked about forms of therapy that are just as good.
It is widely accepted that pets have a way of calming people – even to the point of lowering blood pressure. There have been numerous studies done to prove this but it seems that this type of therapy is usually not applied as much as it could be.
Pets have a way of calming people because unlike people they don’t judge you, nag you or ask much from you. They are happy to just be with you for no particular reason. There is something to be said about having a steady friend that will listen – even if they don’t talk back.
And it also doesn’t matter what kind of pet you get either. Most people are partial to cats and dogs but it could also be a bird, fish, ferret, even a horse if you have the space.
When selecting a pet it is probably more important to think about the animals size and temperament in relation to your living arrangements and lifestyle. If you have a tiny apartment you definitely don’t want to adopt a Great Dane.
Pets can not only improve your mood and blood pressure but depending on the species they could also help get you outside to get the much needed exercise you keep postponing.
Using pets for therapeutic reasons is also not a novel idea. Nursing homes, hospitals and even prisons have used pets to help people reach a state of calmness and purpose. After all if you have a pet you are obliged to take good care of it. This added responsibility can help deflect much of the negative inward thinking that currently dominates your life.
Think you’re too lazy to walk a dog everyday? Get a gold fish. This low maintenance critter can also help to relax you.
In a world where many of us have few meaningful friendships, tons of things to do, and a tremendous amount of stress sometimes we need something simple and stable to help us along. I think a pet can fill that role for anyone in need of a little stress reduction.
Recap of why having a pet is a good idea
- Stress reduction
- Companionship
- Can help lower blood pressure
- Positive distraction
- Can give you a sense of purpose
- Increases physical activity (with dogs, horses, etc)
Harp music works relive anxiety too. I use Diane Scheinder’s Harp of Hope – Animal Therapy Edition for both myself and my dog (freaks out during thunderstorms). Her site is HarpForAnimals.com