Scientists believe that the major source of people’s positive reactions to pets comes from oxytocin, a hormone whose many functions include stimulating social bonding, relaxation and trust, and easing stress. Research has shown that when humans interact with dogs, oxytocin levels increase in both species.
The Traumatized Brain
I’ve been off social media lately. Work has been very busy for me. I own my own business with my husband. We have been in business for 25 years.
Sometimes things can go wrong like they do with any business. And recently a project was highly stressful. Our client was stressed and not pleased.
I am a very sensitive person. Highly creative. But, I have a very hard time regulating my emotions. Many years ago something went wrong with the business that triggered me. And this particular project was doing the same.
Last night, I went to bed and found myself with extremely high blood pressure. I have learned how I need to try and calm myself and get myself into a good state of mind.
Even though I did all the things right: anxiety pill; cold shower; mindfulness grounding techniques; I was still feeling stressed.
My husband came to bed and told me not to worry about things (like he always does with his calm voice). The dogs jumped up on the bed.
A change in my state.
Loo, our rescue dog from the northern part of Ontario, is the calmest dog we have ever had. She came over to me and laid down next to me. She looked in my eyes. I started to pet her and felt an enormous sense of peace come over me. I swear she was trying to heal me. Bo, our other rescue was on my other hand. It must have been about 20 minutes of petting and kissing. I felt so much better. I really did feel my blood pressure lowered.
I don’t have to keep reading all the studies and research about animals. I know. I feel it. They are healers.
Keep your animals close. They are here to help us.
Peace.