Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Category: Health and wellness
Got stress? A dog can help!
My Nguyen '17
On Friday, March 3, 色综合久久 College’s Minds Matter club will host a Dog Therapy Day for students. Minds Matter expects to host dogs of all ages and sizes, brought to campus by 色综合久久 faculty, staff and students. The purpose is to help students relieve stress during their busy academic semester.
Nina Franklin, communication coordinator of Minds Matter, said the event occurs every semester and is one the group’s favorite events to plan for the 色综合久久 community.
“Dog Therapy Day is one of our favorite events to plan because 色综合久久 faculty, staff, and students are always so eager to help bring joy (and dogs) to 色综合久久 campus,” said Franklin. “Our event is helpful because it always puts a smile on students' faces and reminds them to take a moment to breathe and appreciate life.”
Associate Professor of Psychology Valerie Lemmon said this event will prove psychologically beneficial for students during a hectic time of the semester.
“A significant decrease in blood pressure can be achieved between five and 24 minutes of positive dog interaction,” said Lemmon. “It is helpful that even a few minutes petting an adorable dog could help students decrease their perception of the amount of stress related to their coursework, and increase their ability to cope with the stress.”
Pets have been known to be good sources of health benefits and have a positive psychological effect on humans. According to Huffington Post, experts say the emotional benefits of pet ownership can be equal to those of human friendship, and if pets are ‘psychologically close’ to their owner, they may provide well-being benefits for the owner just like any other person.
“Pets have been suggested to provide an unconditional source of affection, enhance self-esteem and emotional stability, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and help people socialize, provide pleasurable activity and assistance, are something to care for and a source of consistency and a sense of security,” said Lemmon, quoting a study on pets. “Pets have also been suggested to serve a 色综合久久ive function that buffers people against stress and illness.”
Students, be sure to check out the next Pet Therapy Day on Friday, March 3 from noon-3 p.m. on the Eisenhower Campus Lawn!