Many believe in the power of pets to bring joy, companionship, and stress relief into our lives. As we celebrate National Pet Month, as well as Stress Awareness Month, we want to shine a spotlight on our beloved company pets. From dogs to cats, to sheep and horses, and how they contribute to our well-being by helping to relieve stress and burnout.
Do check out our furry (and not-so-furry) friends on our highlighted Instagram story, LifeatSitu, to see how Situ‘s pets bring us so many benefits.
Stress and burnout: real challenges in today’s world
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and burnout have become a challenge for many of us.
In a previous blog we discussed how maintaining a work-life fit to cope with the demands of work, personal responsibilities, and the constant connectivity of modern life can take a toll on our mental and emotional health.
Chronic stress and burnout can lead to a wide range of negative effects, including decreased productivity and decreased overall well-being.
Pets as stress relievers: the science
Thankfully, research has shown that pets can play a significant role in helping to reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Interacting with animals has been proven to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin levels (the bonding hormone). It can lead to a range of physical and mental health benefits.
Spending time with pets can help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, improve mood, increase social interaction, and enhance overall well-being. And if you’re an animal lover like some of us at Situ, pets are part of your family.
How do Situ’s pets contribute to our well-being?
Situ’ers are proud to have a diverse range of pets. Each with their own unique personalities and contribution to make to our well-being. Here are some of them:
- Emotional support: Dogs and cats are always there to provide unconditional love, comfort, and emotional support. They offer a listening ear, a warm presence, and a playful distraction during busy workdays.
- Physical activity: Some pets provide opportunities for physical activity and outdoor breaks. Spending time with them, grooming them, or walking them allows Situ’ers to step away from their work at home desks, and get some fresh air. It’s good to engage in physical activity, it can help reduce stress and promote well-being.
- Social interaction: Pets also encourage social interaction. Taking breaks to play with or care for our pets can foster positive relationships and create a sense of community with other pet lovers.
- Joy and happiness: Simply spending time with our pets can bring joy, laughter, and happiness. Their playful antics, funny personalities, and unconditional love can brighten our days and alleviate those stressful moments.
What if you don’t have any pets?
It’s important to remember that the beneficial impact of pet ownership isn’t exclusive to pet owners. Although National Pet Month is about celebrating the benefits of pet ownership, even those without pets can still benefit from the positive impact that pets can have on our lives.
We can do this by spending time with animals, getting outside in nature, and supporting animal charities. Everyone can join in the spirit of National Pet Month, where increasing feelings of happiness and well-being is key. Even if you don’t have a pet of your own, consider volunteering at an animal shelter, spending some time with a friend’s or neighbour’s pet, or even enjoying a trip to the zoo.
Alternatively, take a break and spend time in nature. Pets often get us outside and enjoying fresh air and green spaces. Take a walk in a local park, plan a weekend camping trip, or if you are near enough, hike on Dartmoor and see the wild ponies. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve our mood – and is a great way to celebrate National Pet Month. Of course, it’s always important to pay attention to our well-being, and here at Situ we believe this should be a priority for us every day.
Check out some of our pets at LifeatSitu
In celebration of National Pet Month, we have been showcasing our Situ Pets on our Instagram page LifeatSitu. Here you can find photos and videos of our pets in action highlighting the ways in which they contribute to our well-being and spreading the joy of having pets in general!
So do take a moment to follow us on Instagram… Join in the celebration of our pets during National Pet Month!
