Going to school full time while working a very demanding job is stressful. Honestly, that’s an understatement – it can be downright miserable, and being a high-anxiety person who shuts down when they are under stress doesn’t help. On top of that, I get super irritable when I miss Caesar and Jeter. Typically, the first few weeks of a new semester is the worst because I haven’t gotten into the groove of making life work around school yet – I end up missing workouts, eating terribly, and not spending as much time with my dogs as I’d like, all of which makes me feel more unhappy.
When it comes to my dogs, school, and work, they are important to me in that order. However, I care about all three deeply, and I’ve found in life that the more you care, the more miserable you can become, especially if you’re like me and don’t know how to say “no.”
Over the years I have found some healthy ways to cope with stress and they all are thanks to my dogs. Going on a walk with Caesar or just sitting in silence with Jeter can make me feel better at least in that moment. The other night, after leaving for work at 6:30 a.m., and returning home at 9 p.m., only to have to do homework, I just sat on the couch and started at the wall while petting Jeter. Like-wise, on Monday, after a work and homework filled weekend, I took a solo walk with Caesar as the sun set. Both situations brought me a lot of peace and made me feel better.
We’ve all heard about how being around the people you love releases happy endorphins. Pets have that same affect. They also reduce stress hormones and can help lower your blood pressure. During finals week, Purdue allows therapy dogs on campus to provide comfort to students who may feel overwhelmed. I see a lot of people smiling while interacting with these dogs. Even if they are feeling stressed, they can forget about the pressure for at least a moment thanks to the therapy dogs.
We’ve all also heard about how taking a walk in nature is also known to make people feel less stressed. For me, taking a walk with Caesar in nature as the sun sets is about as peaceful a situation as I can dream of. Petting dogs has been found to relieve stress, so when I cuddle with Jeter and take time to pet his head or rub with his ears, it really helps to slow my heart rate and give me time to think through the things that are stressing me out. My heart beats fast and I take medicine to slow it down, so being with my dogs in both situations certainly helps regulate my heart beat.
I have fought mental health issues since I was a teenager. Medicine didn’t work for me, but a dog did. Because of a dog, I became more active, talked out my issues (they listen, I swear), and took time to sit, think, and problem solve with the comport of my furry friend by my side. I found healthy coping mechanisms.
I’m stressed right now, friends. I’m completely overwhelmed. But, thanks to my dogs, I’ve found ways to stop, take a breath, and push forward. As I have told myself through the last 10 years of my life: “It will get better” and I know it will.