Let’s say you’ve had a tough day and all you want to do is relax. Now, imagine being greeted by a pair of eyes eager to see you and transmitting pure happiness when meeting yours. That’s the magic that dogs bring to our lives, and it seems that enjoying their company not only makes us feel good, but also provides health benefits, as a new study has found that spending quality time with dogs decreases stress and increases the power of brain waves associated with relaxation and concentration.
The research has been carried out by Onyoo Yoo of Konkuk University in South Korea and his colleagues. Their results have been published in PLOS ONE and can help us understand how the different activities we carry out with our four-legged friends can affect our mind and body.
For centuries, dogs have been more than just pets, helping us with hunting, herding, and other tasks, and even providing protection. They understand us in ways that often leave us amazed, creating a bond that is both deep and emotionally rich. This connection is not only comforting, but it is also incredibly beneficial for our health.
Recent research has taken a closer look at these benefits, especially through what are known as animal-assisted interventions (AIA). These are special programs where animals, like dogs, play a key role in our health and education, offering therapeutic benefits. Whether it’s a structured therapy session or a simple educational activity, the presence of animals can make a big difference.
But what exactly are these benefits and how do different activities with dogs impact us? The new study involved 30 healthy adults with the aim of exploring this by having these individuals participate in various activities with dogs, such as playing with them, walking with them, feeding them, and even grooming them.
Pets that promote relaxation and improve mood
They measured brain activity and emotional responses using electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes to record the brain’s electrical activity while they interacted with the dog, and recorded their subjective emotional state immediately after each activity.
The findings were revealing. Activities such as playing and walking with a dog significantly relaxed the participants, improving their mood and reducing stress. Participants also reported feeling significantly less fatigued, depressed, and stressed after all dog-related activities.
It turns out that when you throw a ball to a dog or take a walk with it, your brain enters a more relaxed state, promoting a feeling of calm and happiness. In addition, some activities, such as petting or grooming the dog, not only relaxed the participants, but also improved their ability to concentrate and pay attention. It’s fascinating to think that simply brushing your dog’s coat could increase his ability to concentrate and be more creative.
The study also highlighted how these interactions can positively affect our emotions. Feeding, petting and cuddling the dog makes people feel better, reduces stress and improves overall mood. It seems that the simple act of taking care of a dog can make us feel calmer and happier.
When you throw a ball to a dog or take a walk with it, your brain enters a more relaxed state, promoting a feeling of calm and happiness.
In essence, spending time with dogs can activate our brains in ways that promote relaxation, emotional stability, and concentration. It’s a testament to the powerful bond between humans and dogs, and shows that our furry friends can do more than just keep us company: they can genuinely improve our physical and mental well-being.
So, now you know, the next time you’re feeling stressed or depressed, consider spending some time with a dog. Whether it’s playing fetch, going for a walk, or just enjoying some quiet time together, these activities aren’t just fun; They are a path to a healthier and happier person.
