Beating the Monday Blues – Doggy Style!

There is something incredibly comforting about coming home after a long day at work and being greeted with wet, slobbery kisses and boundless enthusiasm and happiness at the mere fact that you have returned. For many people, interacting with a pet is the ultimate antidote to a stressful day and a spectacular way to beat those pesky Monday blues.  For those of us who love and adore our furry family members, it’s a well proven fact that it’s virtually impossible to stay in down in the dumps when a pair of loving poochie eyes meets yours.

But how much good are our dogs really doing for us? 

It’s simple really.  Our dogs make us smile, and smiling has a large number of health benefits:

1. Smiling lifts your spirits. Even if you’re not feeling it…put on a smile. The simple act of smiling, especially when you smile at someone else and they reflect that smile back at you, can cause your body and mind to feel happy.

2. Smiling relieves stress. When you smile, you are physically releasing your jaw muscles, which tend to be tightened in times of stress. The jaw muscles attach to the neck muscles and, when tightened, can lead to headaches. You also look less stressed since you minimize those frown lines on your forehead.

3. Smiling boosts your immune system. When you smile, your body naturally relaxes. When you are relaxed, your immune system is able to function optimally, helping to fight off colds and flu.

4. Smiling lowers blood pressure. When you relax your mind and your face by smiling, you actually lower your blood pressure. Try a few minutes of enjoying the view, petting your pup, or doing something that you enjoy. Just five minutes of smiling makes a noticeable difference in blood pressure.

5. Smiling is a natural pain killer. Studies show that smiling helps the body to naturally release endorphins and serotonin, which work together to help us feel better and minimize the sensation of pain

So remember, the next time you’re having a bad day, or just having trouble facing Monday head-on, just look to your pooch.  If your dog(s) are anything like Bear, you’ll be smiling in no time.

=)

Keep your tails wagging

Bear’s P4ws