Hello my "Paw"sitive friends!
The Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen Competition is going to be here before we know it! My days have been going by so fast. I can hardly believe it! I'm working hard on perfecting my talent, practicing dance routines, strengthening my public speaking skills, and making important connections. However, i'm making sure to pace myself and take some mental health days too. You can't pour from an empty vessel, so it's important to recharge and find what helps you keep a healthy balance.
Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your heart health. I know I always feel better having snowball jump up on my lap and purr. He always knows just what to do to make me feel calm and happy at the end of a day. Simply patting his head puts me in a more positive mindset and lowers my heart rate.
I've known for a long time that having a pet can improve one's health and attitude. It's one of the reasons I've always been fascinated by animals and relationships with humans.
Pets give you a sense of purpose when you are responsible for their care. Most pets require a feeding, cleaning, and a exercise routine. This can boost your self-esteem, wellbeing, and mental health by providing you with a sense of purpose and motivation. Pets reduce loniliness and allow for more social connection, particularly if you join an animal club or go to pet shows. Visiting pet-friendly activities, or parks might help you expand your social circle.
Exercise, like walking, has many benefits for your mental health and wellbeing. You can also use the time walking your dog to improve your fitness and make the most of the outdoors to help you further develop mindfulness and relaxation. Because of your mutual interest in your pets, you could make new friends simply by taking your dog for a walk or even waiting at the vet.
If you have a fear of social situations, often known as social phobia, a pet can help you gradually introduce yourself to other pet owners while also improving your mental health. I know i've personally met a lot of people just by talking about their pet.
Many hospitals understand just how many health benefits pets provide. They even utilize "animal therapy" sessions for their patients and it's amazing to see how quickly animal assisted therapy can help with pain, anxiety, and a wide range of health problems.
I witnessed this first hand when my little brother was two years old. He spent 73 days at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. He was life-flighted on a helicopter due to his small intestines dying. (Its a long story, so I will try to keep it short.) He remainted in critical condition for what seemed like forever for me. It was a scarey time. My parents had to leave and stay with him in Kansas City, while I stayed with my grandparents. I remember the long drive we would take to Kansas City to come and visit him. When I did, I loved seeing how he would come to life when the therapy dogs would come and visit.
Five surgeries later things started to turn around. When my brother was finally healthy enough to come home, I remember our cats staying by his side. Mom was always worried about the cats messing with his cords, but they laid perfectly still and kept his feet warm. I'd lay a cat next to him and his favorite blankie everytime he had his nose tube replaced. The cats knew the right place to lay and purr by his side.
It always cheered him up and made him feel better. He started to grow stronger and would eventually be given a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder years later. We still have no explanation for the sudden attack on his small intestines. He had to learn how to walk again, to speak again, and to live again. I'd like to think that our pets at home were just as beneficial as the nurses and Dr.'s in his care during that time.
It always amazes me whenever he's having an autism meltdown or a difficult time communicating. Our cats know how to calm him. They are extremely patient with him and are even teaching him how to care for something beyond himself. It's been so encouraging to see.
My pets are the perfect therapists. They don't have a co-pay and they're always non judgemental. They are so affectionate and available at any time of the day, no matter what is going on. I don't have to schedule an appointment and they don't charge for their care by the hour. I love how my pets accept me daily and can distract me from the negative things that weigh me down. When i'm having a stressful time they know just what to do. They are my family.
My pet therapists are the best in the world for me mentally and physically. They may not have a voice, but they communicate in powerful and lifechanging ways. They're good for my family and improve my world. They are powerfully "paw"sitive.
If you don't own a pet, I encourage you to think about the benefits that they provide. There are many shelter animals just waiting to be by your side and help improve your life in impactful ways. They live to join your lifestyle and enhance it in powerful ways. If you've considered getting a pet, consider your needs and theirs. Consider adopting from your local animal shelter. I promise it will be the best choice you've ever made for your life.
Till next time friends! Stay "Paw"sitive!
Sincerely,
Kayla