Keep Calm with a Dog

Are you trying to learn new ways to keep calm? Have you faithfully engaged in calming activities, such as mindful yoga, stretching and meditation, only to find that the benefits are short lived? If so, you are not alone.

The truth is, learning to live a calmer life takes time and doesn’t happen overnight. This is a point that we try to emphasize with clients who visit our Chicago offices for psychotherapy and counseling.

One practical way to alleviate anxiety in a way that helps keep you calm for the long term is by having a pet around, like a dog. We’ve written about dogs before and how they act in many ways as nature’s ultimate mindful teacher (see our dogs and mindfulness post)

Dogs are faithful companions that have been clinically shown to be extremely beneficial in helping those that suffer from anxiety and depression, according to the research. And while taking care of an animal does require a great deal of self-discipline and commitment, the benefits can be well worth it.

Here are five reasons why getting a dog can be a huge help in helping you to keep calm while also increasing your mood and alleviating anxiety/depression.

1. Initiates Responsibility

When you have another body in the house to care for, it distracts you from thinking about your feelings in-depth. Having a dog will keep you busy as they will need feedings, playtime and plenty of attention. This responsibility will help divert some of your feelings away from yourself and toward another creature who needs your help to survive.

It is tough to be upset when you have a dog vying for your affection. Along with the responsibility, however, is the emotional attachment you will have with your dog. This is the best reason for getting one as they are lovable creatures who will be there for you no matter what disorder you are enduring.

2. Promotes Exercise

When you have a dog, you will become more physically fit as a result. Your dog will need daily walks and you may find yourself more inclined to walk further distances when you have an excuse to do so. This in turn will release endorphins which will promote the feeling of calmness and peacefulness.

Exercise is a wonderful release for those who suffer from anxiety or depression. No words need to be spoken and you will relish in having an exercise routine with a partner who won’t make you feel uncomfortable to be around in sweats or jealous about who is losing more weight. Read our post on exercise benefits here.

3. Goals Are Accomplished

Having a dog will give you a sense of accomplishment if you train them to perform certain tasks. Teaching your dog obedience practices and the ability to do small tricks will make you feel successful with each new item they learn.

Get several books from a library or look up information online on how to train your dog to be obedient. You will get a sense of satisfaction when they walk next to you without pulling or indicating they will run away. You will smile as they stand on their hind legs or shake paws.

4. Schedules Are Kept

A dog will become accustomed to being fed and going outside to relieve themselves at certain times. If you not on their internal schedule, you will be reminded when they are by your side trying to get your attention. You will find that it is difficult to stray from your dog’s schedule once it is in place. This schedule will become part of your own schedule.

If you alter it, you will suffer from a home that needs to be cleaned because your dog went to the bathroom inside, or several items that may be chewed up because your dog was hungry and got upset that you were not there to feed them.

Keeping a schedule is important when you suffer from anxiety or depression as they will keep you from staying in bed dwelling on your feelings. Often when someone thinks about panic attacks, they will feel themselves starting to have one. If someone thinks about being depressed, they start thinking about things that will make them sad. Keeping on a schedule will help keep your attention on other matters.

5. Gives You Some Control

Having a dog will allow you to have something you can control without feeling guilty. You are in control of what grooming your dog will receive and you are the one who will select the hair bows or nail color your dog will receive. You have control of what type of animal you wish for your dog to be, whether guard dog, hunting companion, or family pet.

You can control how long you stay somewhere by telling hosts you have a dog you need to take outside when you feel like leaving. One part you cannot control however, is how much your dog will love you! Dogs want to please their masters and you will not be able to stop this, nor want to!

Final Thoughts

Obviously, if you are thinking about getting a dog, you will want to consider a number of factors, such as your ability to care for an animal balanced against other life responsibility areas. Here is a list of 10 things to consider before adopting a dog, published by Pet MD.

If you are looking for help with keeping calm and feeling less anxious, consider engaging in talk-therapy. You can learn more about how therapy for anxiety can offer many tangible benefits by visiting our anxiety page.

Thanks for visiting the Chicago therapists at 2^nd Story Counseling. Here’s to staying calm!