![]() While many of us are seeing our friends on Zoom and in other physically distanced ways during the pandemic, it can be hard to feel truly connected. ![]() That probably explains why many of us turn to cute puppy (and cat) videos for relief. This suggests that being with a dog can help us recover from stressful situations-perhaps even the stress of a pandemic-even if it’s not our own dog (which may be why so many colleges bring canines onto campuses during finals week).įor those who can’t have a pet, there is some evidence that just seeing videos of dogs can reduce stress and anxiety. While everyone became more anxious during the test and showed higher heart rates and cortisol levels, those participants paired with a dog had lower levels of both than those with no support or even those with a friend. Practices, resources, and articles for individuals, parents, and educators facing COVID-19 Read It Now Greater Good’s Guide to Well-Being During Coronavirus Their cortisol levels and heart rates were measured before, just after, and 30 minutes after the test, and they filled out questionnaires about their anxiety. The participants were randomly assigned to have either a friend, a dog they didn’t know, or no one accompany them before and during the test. In one study, 48 participants were given a stress test where they had to do public speaking and then perform difficult calculations while unfriendly observers watched them. Luckily, dogs can help, as many studies have shown and experts attest. We also can’t do many of the things that usually help us manage stress better-like going to the gym or having dinner with a group of friends. We don’t know when we will be able to move about freely again, our jobs may be compromised, and we’re worried about contracting the virus or passing it on to others. Many of us have been super stressed and anxious during the pandemic. We’re bound to feel less isolated with a soft, understanding, loving being around. ![]() Plus, many of us have the sense that our dog resonates with us emotionally-a notion that some science supports. Why do dogs help us with loneliness? It’s probably not an accident that dogs are often called “man’s best friend.” Many people feel that dogs are like family members (but without the baggage), providing unconditional love and easy companionship. After all, we all have less social contact than we’d normally have right now, and that’s got to be hard on our psyches. Though the benefits of having a pet have been studied more among the elderly (who often have limited social contact), they likely apply to many more of us during COVID-19. “She keeps me company whether I’m reading or gardening, and cracks me up regularly with her episodes of doggy silliness.” “I’m hugely grateful that I’ve had Maisie as my eight-pound, fluff-ball quarantine buddy,” says Jan. But having a pet around (including dogs or their cat rivals) can help prevent loneliness. Being without human touch is particularly difficult: People who are touch-deprived tend to feel more depressed, experience more pain, and even have poorer immunity. Many of us are feeling a bit lonelier than usual these days sheltering-in-place and keeping our distance from others is hard for everyone, including introverts. Here are some of the science-backed ways that our dogs can help us cope with difficult circumstances and stay well. Petting a dog has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), for example, and caring for a dog releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone that calms us and increases our trust in others). What is that something? It’s hard to put a finger on, but hormones may play a role.
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