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The Comforting Companion: How Pets Help with Stress

In today's buzzing world, stress has become a familiar, albeit unwelcome, guest in our lives. Young people are not immune to this, grappling daily with pressures from school, social interactions, and oftentimes, a myriad of expectations from various quarters. Interestingly, one of the most effective soothers of stress could be wagging its tail in your living room or purring quietly beside your study desk. Yes, pets! Beyond their roles as companions, pets have a pivotal contribution to our mental and emotional well-being. Here's how they do it.

Understanding Stress in Young People

Before diving into how pets help combat stress, it's essential to grasp what stress really means, especially for teens. Stress, in simple terms, is the body's response to changes that require an adjustment or response. It can be triggered by any demand, including school pressures, changes in relationships, or numerous responsibilities. Managing these can be particularly tricky during the teen years, given the physical, emotional, and social changes that accompany adolescence.

Pets as Stress Relievers: What's the Science?

Numerous studies have shown that pets can be powerful allies in managing stress. Here's how:

• Physical Contact: Just petting a dog or cat can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol. These hormonal changes help induce a sense of calm and reduce stress.
• Routine and Responsibility: Having a pet requires a routine and constant attention. This structure can help provide stability for a teen, anchoring their day and providing predictable and controllable outcomes that combat the chaotic feelings that stress can induce.
• Distraction: Pets draw their owners into the present moment. Whether it's a walk, playtime, or just watching them, activities with pets can serve as a break from stressors, clearing the mind and improving mood.
• Social Interaction: Pets can act as social lubricants. They are often natural conversation starters and can help ease individuals into social settings that might otherwise feel intimidating or anxiety-inducing.

Real-Life Benefits: Stories from the Field

Anecdotal evidence and qualitative studies often pave the way for more comprehensive research. Teens have reported feeling less isolated, anxious, or stressed when they have a pet. For instance, a high school student shared that taking care of her cat helps her forget about the stresses of upcoming exams and social anxiety. Her cat offers unconditional support, doesn't judge, and is always available to listen or at least seem to.

Implementing Pet Therapy in Your Life

Here are some practical strategies for using the presence of pets to lessen stress:

• Regular Playtime: Schedule daily interactive sessions with your pet. This can involve toys, teaching tricks, or simply cuddling. Such activities can significantly elevate your mood and decrease stress.
• Walks: For dog owners, regular walks are a necessity, but they also serve as a great stress reliever for both the owner and the pet. Besides the physical exercise, which itself is a stress reducer, the routine can help clear your mind.
• Create a Routine: Feeding, grooming, and bedtime routines for your pet can structurally calm your day and provide a sense of continuity and safety.
• Pet Care-taking: If you don't have a pet, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter. You'll interact with animals, which can reduce stress, and also feel good about contributing positively to society.

Challenges to Consider

While pets can dramatically reduce stress, it's important to acknowledge that pet ownership is not always only about cuddles and walks in the park. It comes with its own set of responsibilities and can sometimes be a source of stress itself, especially if the pet falls ill or has behavioural issues. Responsibly managing these aspects is crucial.

Conclusion: Embracing the Four-Legged Stress Busters

For those who can, involving a pet in one's life might just be the pivot needed to manage stress more effectively. Whether it's their unconditional love, the routine they provide, or the physical activity they necessitate, pets can be remarkable stress alleviators. Remember, however, that like any form of therapy, success varies from individual to individual. What's unquestionable, though, is the significant body of evidence supporting the stress-relieving benefits pets bring into our lives.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

• Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
• The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.