The Mental Health Benefits of Owning A Dog

The new critically acclaimed crowd-pleasing movie "Dog" now in theaters reminds people of the need for pets to maintain mental well-being. Starring and co-directed by Channing Tatum, it was inspired by the HBO documentary he produced called "War Dog: A Soldier's Best Friend." The main character (Channing Tatum) deals with PTSD as the dog maintains his sanity in the narrative drama. With this in mind, here are the multiple benefits of having a pet:

Increase Physical Activity   

A new analysis finds dog owners, on average, walk 22 more minutes more per day than individuals without dogs. This could be below average for very playful pups. That is enough physical activity to make a difference in your health. Going on walks is an effective way to get your steps in. Walking a dog on a hike is an excellent reason to get out and experience nature. Playing fetch and participating in sports is another way to get your dog active. 

Provide Companionship   

Pets can sense our emotions and provide comfort when people need it. Dogs are a basis of companionship and reassurance for their owners. Emotional and social reinforcement is necessary to get through psychological problems such as grief. Pets can affect our emotional condition, understanding of protection and approval, and even our optimistic outlook on life.  

Add Routine    

Yes, it is more responsibility with more demand from your time, but it will be worth having a pet. That responsibility is a building bridge to take care of loved ones or starting a side business. Pet owners are tasked with many things. They will need to buy food, treats, a collar and leash, various toys, and grooming products. You will be reliable for meals, water, strolls, exercise, cleanup, and grooming.  

More Social   

People participate in social activities with dogs. You have a lot of options as a dog owner. However, the mundane dog walk can increase confidence as people compliment your dog or stop to talk with you. Sixty percent are more likely than those without pets to encounter new individuals in their neighborhoods. Dog owners who go on walks with their dogs were also more likely to have befriended someone they met via pet-related associations.  

Lower Anxiety   

Unless they get into trouble, sharing enjoyment with a furry companion causes numerous people to feel more relaxed, reducing blood pressure and easing the manifestation of mental health difficulties. Research has revealed that merely petting a dog decreases the stress hormone cortisol. In contrast, the social relations between people and their dogs improve the feel-good hormone oxytocin.  

Slows Mental Decline   

A recent study revealed that pet ownership slows mental deterioration in older adults. It had the best responses among Black pet parents, individuals with a college education, and men. Over the six years, cognitive scores declined gradually among pet owners, with the distinction most substantial among long-term pet owners.   

WSi is a dog-friendly office, and we love our pets. We know that pet ownership makes us better people. One of our perks is "bring your dog into work" days.   

4 Mental Health Tips When Job Searching

Job hunting can be exhausting and dehumanizing. You work so hard on your resume, applying for work, preparing for the interview, all for it to vanish when you receive the rejection email, or worse, suddenly: you are even ghosted after everything! A recent trending article shared on LinkedIn compared job hunting to online dating, bruising egos. As more people continue to interview during this transitional season, here is a way to keep your mental health in check while looking for a job:

Embrace Perseverance     

Being persistent is the key to success with looking for your next role. You must keep going knowing that the best fit is waiting for you. Remind yourself of previous experiences when you needed to embrace persistence. It can be a motivator. You came out stronger in the end. Dopamine motivates people to work harder. However, balance a rhythm of work with a healthy mindset, but take a break with something you enjoy if you need to do so.   

Keep It Positive  

Most of the time, you cannot take the rejection personally. Easier said than done. If the experience was terrible, know that this doesn’t define your self-worth. Someone else was a better fit for the job, either skill or personality-wise. Mastering the ability to overcome obstacles allows you to work through challenges more manageable.   

Reassess Your Goals    

Double-check the jobs you applied for in the past. Were you the best fit? Reflect on the positions where you went farther in the interview process. How did it go? Could you have done something differently? You might not be a “square peg, square hole” fit for the jobs you interviewed for. People can learn lessons from those experiences. You could be on the wrong path and need to get back on track with what you want and your values. Goals can change, too.      

Tap Into Your Network   

Not only is relying on your network a fantastic opportunity to find your next job, but it is also even better to lean on close friends and family to vent and seek emotional support. Reaching out for advice both benefits you psychologically and professionally. This is a way to strategize a plan and know that people who care about you have your back. We need individuals rooting for us during the challenges of life. 

Since 1988, WSi’s recruiters have been transparent and honest with candidates looking for other work opportunities. If you are interested in finding your following healthcare positions, get in touch with us today!