4 Health Reasons You Should Add A Pet To Your Life

Having a pet changes many aspects of your life. I purposely did not write “own” a pet, because most pet owners can tell you that most likely you are owned by them, rather than the other way around, especially if you have a cat in the family.

But did you know that pets can also affect your overall health?

Here are a list of 4 ways a pet has a positive affect on your health:

1.According to Dr. Silke Wechsung of the University of Bonn, Germany, simply being close to a dog can have a lowering effect on your pulse rate, which is a sign of relaxation. Instantly, the overall well being begins to improve, no matter what happened before the contact with the animal.

2.She also suggests that active engagement with your pet, via play, stops negative self-talk, by interrupting and redirecting it. This is especially helpful for someone who suffers from depression, and has a hard time disconnecting from negative train of thought without an outside influence, preventing spirals into even deeper depression.

3. It brings needed structure into a daily routine. Especially older people, people who live by themselves and suffer from that loneliness, or have depression, creating a positive structure can have a very positive affect on their overall health. A pet, no matter which type, forces the individual to create and follow a routine, no matter what.

4. Dog walks, having to take your pet outside no matter what the weather is like, also strengthens the immune system, according to Dr. Wechsung. Regular outdoor exercise with your dog, becomes a preventive health measure.

If you are considering to add a pet to your family, please always consider getting a pet from a shelter. There are hundreds of animals waiting for a home, and to give back to you, by being your companion and healthy support.

Thank you.

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Oh Cool – An Award!

Thank you to Axel Rider for nominating me for the “Very Inspiring Blogger” Award!

That was very sweet of you! Now, as with most awards, there are some rules attached. Here they are:

• Thank the one who nominated by linking their blog and display the award emblem.
• Nominate some other blogs (10ish or so) and link them.
• Mention three things that inspired you the most in the last week or so…

Okay, I can do that! There are so many beautiful blogs out there at the moment, so finding 1o people to share this award with will be fun! Here is my list:

Waywordness

Transition of Thoughts

Sarah’s Humble Blog

Lisa Rosier

The Magickal Pen

My Journey To The Boston Marathon…

Perspective on Life, The Universe And Everything 

Becoming Angela

Roxi St. Claire

Through The Peacock’s Eyes

I highly recommend that you check out these blogs! Very interesting and diverse bunch, but everyone of them is incredibly creative. I am happy to share them with you!

Wishing you the most wonderful day!

Claudia

 

 

Illusion – A Flash Fiction

No matter how many times I have tried to explain, you don’t hear me. You only see the reflection of who you think I am, a far cry from the true me, my essence. Even when you speak about me to others, it is hard for me to hear, the irritation impossible to hide, for you share not whom I am, but whom you would like me to be. Can you even hear me? While you share your stories, I sit here, waiting for the moment to escape, the moment where I am free to be seen as myself.

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

This Flash Fiction  was inspired by the Daily Prompt “Leftovers” and the Flash Fiction Prompt “Irritation“. It is also inspired by a conversation I had with my daughter. Often times we do not see the ones we love as the person they truly are, but through our own imperfections and flaws, or as we want them to be, missing out on discovering the true beauty of the person standing in front of us.