 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Stressed at Work? Whistle for Fido
Women with the workday jitters are advised to grab a box of dog biscuits… and their dog when heading for the office. Research has found that canine companionship reduces signs of stress in the workplace. In a Journal of Personality and Social Psychology study women who were asked to perform the stressful task of calculating arithmetic problems in their heads showed lower blood pressure and pulse rates if their pet dogs were with them.
The study compared women accompanied by their dogs to two other groups of women; one group accompanied by an impartial observer, the other women by a supportive female friend. Compared to the other two groups, the women accompanied by their dogs had dramatically lower blood pressure and pulse rates, not to mention more accurate work performance.
Why does canine companionship lower stress? Unlike human beings, dogs don't judge us or evaluate performance. What they do provide is unconditional support, and this support is critical to reducing physiological responses to stress.
In the study, dogs were applauded not only for the tranquility they brought, but for other traits such as loyalty and boundless love. Women described their relationships with their dogs as unique and special compared to all other relationships …. even marital ones.
Not a dog lover? Try bonding with a cat, bird or even a fish. Research shows that other kinds of pets can also positively impact our physical and mental well being.
Ready to think about bringing a pet into your stress-filled life? See the Pet Resources page in this section for information on adopting and caring for a new set of paws or claws.
* Research for this article was drawn from the University of Pennsylvania and the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology