Can your dog help you destress?
Okay, personally, whenever I am sad and stressed, I don’t run for the sad music or ice cream, I run for my dog. In fact, when I was going through my own eating disorder recovery, I was alone for months on end with my dog. She was there not only to keep me company, but really opened my eyes to how out of touch we can get as a society.
We focus so much on how we look, what we weigh, what others think of us-- but when we break it back down to the basics, those who really love us, don’t care about those things. They care about who we are and what we give to the world. Our dogs are no different.
My dog loves me if I gain ten pounds, if I lose ten pounds, or if I shave my head (she might be confused at first-- but she’ll come around). A dog’s love is unconditional. And those that truly love us for us, will love us unconditionally too.
Not to mention, your pup may be able to sense your stress more than you think. They don’t like when we are sad either and want to be there to comfort us.
So next time you’re feeling stressed, grab your doggo, hold them tight (assuming they will let you) and cry it out.
You will feel better.
I promise.
