Research has indicated that anger is the first emotion that we learn and the last one we learn to manage. As I have shared before, I certainly have found this to be true both personally and professionally. People who are stressed are more likely to experience anger. Numerous worldwide studies have documented that regular exercise can improve mood and reduce stress levels. The effect may be twofold: physical exertion burns up stress chemicals, and it also boosts production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters in the brain, including endorphins.
For me, I have found that walking my dog, Baxter, helps combat and alleviate my stress. According to an article from the American Institute of Stress, having a pet can add years to your life and reduce stress. One of the first studies in this area showed that the survival rates of heart attack victims who had a pet were 28% percent higher than those of patients without pets. Another study showed that having a pet nearby or petting an animal companion blunted the sharp rise in blood pressure and heart rate that occurs with public speaking.
As scientists have discovered, animals have healing powers. When you stroke a cat or pet a dog, you experience a surge of healing hormones and chemicals that produce feelings of peace and serenity. Healing relationships come in many sizes. Some have two legs, some have four legs, and some even have fins or feathers. Do you have a Baxter in your life? Please feel free to share your story with us. We would love to hear from you.
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