Blue Monday: Furry and Feathered Therapists - Animals

Purr therapy, dog therapy… The benefits for human health of pets have never been a secret for those who take care of them on a daily basis, which is more than half of the French. Stroking a cat, staring at a dog, hugging a horse’s neck, cuddling a hen, a rabbit… or even simply observing animals significantly increases the hormone of well-being, endorphin, that of attachment, oxytocin, and also that of happiness, serotonin. As a matter of fact, their mere presence makes us feel good!

According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, “dog owners have a 24 percent lower risk of death and a 31 percent lower risk of heart attack. The multiple studies published since the covid 19 pandemic have only reinforced this observation, which applies to all domesticated species and even wild animals, when we are privileged to make eye contact with them.

A cure without side effects

On this third Monday of January, the famous “Blue Monday”, which represents “the most depressing day of the year”

, the comfort provided by animals is more valuable than ever. Some of them, especially dogs and cats, sometimes have such empathy with their human that they will naturally seek more interactions with him when the latter shows signs of physical or emotional distress, even subtle ones. : tone of voice, facial expressions, body language , biochemical changes accompanying mood changes…. Their ability to focus on the essential, to express unconditional love and the gratuitousness of this bond heals the psychological wounds inflicted by often difficult human relationships.

So don’t hesitate to spend as much time with them as possible, curled up on the sofa for a cozy evening or an invigorating walk in nature. And we abuse caresses and cuddles with these furry or feathered therapists, whose care has no other side effect than lowering our stress level and strengthening our emotional balance!

With their big eyes, soft muzzle and reassuring presence, equines work wonders when we’re in a good mood. 1/8

Hens can be very affectionate and some particularly seek contact and even cuddles. 2/8

Cats and their purring vibrations have been shown to relax the most anxious of us. 3/8

Cats and their purring vibrations have been shown to relax the most anxious of us. 4/8

Irresistible hairballs, rabbits, guinea pigs and other rodents are just waiting to be pampered, with the delicacy imposed by their small size. 5/8

Mischievous, curious and very tactile, goats are a delight to their owners. 6/8

Mischievous, curious and very tactile, goats are a delight to their owners. 7/8

Whatever the species, simple contact with animals acts as a real antidepressant. 8/8

Whatever the species, simple contact with animals acts as a real antidepressant. (Virginia Chenard)

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