I  just heard on the radio, as I was shopping, that April is ‘pet care’ awareness month.  I thought it was stress awareness month!  May be this is actually the same after all.

Is awareness the only common denominator?

You may think pets and stress have nothing in common. Other than the word ‘awareness’, but research has shown that caring for a pet helps reduce stress.

This may be because, as we become aware of our pet’s needs, it helps us to see a bigger picture.  Also whilst you are focussing on them, you are not dwelling on your problems and anxious thoughts, especially those we can’t do much about.

The fact pets offer unconditional love, they won’t answer back or tell you to stop moaning or being needy, (which is rare in humans) is also very comforting.

This is part of the reason so many people seek the help of coaches, counsellors and other therapists, as they are impartial and offer a listening ear.

The BBC reported back in March 2012,  that taking dogs to work reduced employee stress.  Despite the fact these benefits have been know for quite some time, it seems we still need to be reminded.

So it seems looking after your pet can mean looking after yourself too!

Whether you have a pet or not, if you want to reduce your stress levels, read my blog about 20 steps to beat stress, for some self help.

Here is some information and of the research on how pets help us:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/pets-happiness1.htm

https://www.dogowner.co.uk/dogs-mental-health/

As April is stress awareness month.

Mind, the mental health charity, have a free guide that might help you or someone you know.

Don’t be a fool by putting up with stress and anxiety!

If you know someone suffering from stress then you can access this free guide to help you know how you can help them.

They also offer information and support on many mental health issues and there is a  Swindon, local group.