Study Proves Without a Doubt What We Already Knew About Our Dogs
Oh, what a heartwarming revelation for Jersey dog owners. There is scientific research that has confirmed what dog lovers have always known. It’s proven that spending time with our four-legged companions can be a powerful stress-buster. I can back this up as I have friends and family whose lives changed significantly once they adopted a dog.
NPR, spoke with Nancy Gee, a professor of psychiatry and director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University. She claims the simple act of petting a dog can work wonders for our well-being, triggering the release of “happy hormones” that elevate our mood. The study found that interactions with dogs lead to a surge in oxytocin, the chemicals responsible for feelings of relaxation. As a result, petting dogs can significantly reduce stress levels and help alleviate anxiety.
The report also shared that “There’s also evidence that brief bouts of puppy love may also help us think better. Gee collaborated on a study that found school-aged kids who had regular short exchanges with pups in the classroom had reduced stress and improvements in their ability to stay on task and block out distractions. And Gee says those benefits lingered.”
It also showed that spending quality time with our furry family members can also lower the levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. These findings emphasize the deep emotional bond between humans and their furry companions, reinforcing the notion that dogs truly are “man’s best friend.”
So, the next time life feels overwhelming, consider seeking solace in the company of a dog, as they have the remarkable ability to soothe our souls and bring a sense of tranquility to our lives.
And since it’s International Cat Day, I found another study by Washington State University that reveals the same result is found for people with cats.
Researcher Patricia Pendry says, “Just 10 minutes can have a significant impact. Students in our study that interacted with cats (and dogs) had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone.”
She continued, “We already knew that students enjoy interacting with animals and that it helps them experience more positive emotions. What we wanted to learn was whether this exposure would help students reduce their stress in a less subjective way. And it did, which is exciting because the reduction of stress hormones may, over time, have significant benefits for physical and mental health.”
Celebrity Breakups and Divorces of 2023
Hunter Schafer & Dominic Fike
The Euphoria castmates went public with their romance last February. In a July interview, Fike said that he’s “done being in relationships right now” due to his struggle with codependency. He went on to speak optimistically about filming the third season with Schafer: “I think it’ll be fine. We’re all adults, kind of. I’m trying.”
Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott
The on-and-off couple called it quits for good (we think) in January. They share two children together: daughter Stormi, and son Aire. Though they have this turbulent relationship, the two “always remain friends and great co-parents.”
