“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model to be alive. “- Gilda Radner
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If you are the parent of a dog, then the above quote rings true. Not only do they provide unparalleled companionship, but research has also found that your furry best friend has numerous benefits. Of course, since they have to walk, this forces them to do much-needed physical activity. However, having a dog can also help you be calmer, more aware, and less isolated.
Since that was not enough, life is really better and more enjoyable when they are around. I wake up every morning with my dog rolling on the bed with pure joy on his face. I can’t help but laugh. And I think it’s one of the best ways to greet the day.
Also, nothing better than coming home to see their excitement. Nor can I imagine my workday without your company. So, for example, when I get frustrated or can’t get into the area, we go for a walk. Or it will just come so that I can pet her until I relax.
Since I grew up my whole life surrounded by dogs, I have always been aware of all of the above. The other day, however, during our post-lunch walk, I came to the conclusion that dogs could be beneficial to entrepreneurs. Why? Well, here are 11 solid reasons.
1. Having a dog is good for your ticker.
You can live a longer life if you have a dog. An extensive review of studies conducted between 1950 and 2019 revealed that dog owners have a lower risk of dying. According to research, the reason, at least, is that dog owners have better responses to stress and lower blood pressure levels.
The mere presence of a dog makes a difference. People who had previously experienced coronary events have been found to have even lower death rates. This is believed to be because human-dog bonds reduce stress, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease.
A Gallup Wellness Index found that 45% of employers are stressed, compared to 42% of “other workers.” Additionally, employers are more likely to report that they have been “very concerned”, 34% versus 30%. So while owning a dog won’t completely eliminate this stress, it could alleviate it enough to save your life.
2. Dogs reduce stress and anxiety.
Continuing with the previous point, it has been found that dogs not only reduce stress but also anxiety.
“In one study, 48 participants were given a stress test in which they had to speak in public and then perform difficult calculations while hostile observers watched,” writes Jill Suttie, Psy.D., for Greater good. “Participants were randomly assigned to have a friend, a dog they did not know, or no one to accompany them before and during the test.” Heart rate and cortisol levels were measured before, just after, and 30 minutes after the test, and anxiety scales were completed.
“While everyone became more anxious during the test and showed higher heart rates and cortisol levels, participants paired with a dog had lower levels of both than those without support or even those with a friend,” says Suttie. . This suggests that dogs can help heal us from stressful conditions.
What if you can’t have a pet? There is some evidence to suggest that just watching dog videos can reduce anxiety and stress. So, she adds, it’s no wonder so many of us turn to adorable puppy (and cat) videos for relief.
3. Dogs increase oxycontin.
Being around an animal increases its oxytocin levels. This is a neurotransmitter that reduces fear and increases the confidence of the uninitiated. Also, it is oxytocin that helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog while helping him relax.
Therefore, petting your dog is not only fun. It is physiologically beneficial for both.
As for entrepreneurs, this could be an easy way to help them fight an “always on” culture.
4. Being around dogs improves your mood.
How can you be sad when you are around a furry member of your family? Personally, I would say that it is a difficult fear. And several studies confirm this sentiment.
Several mood-enhancing hormones, including oxytocin, serotonin, and prolactin, are released when participants pet their dogs, even if only for a few minutes. And, considering that 72% of entrepreneurs have self-reported mental health problems, any kind of relief is welcome.
5. Owning a dog keeps your weight under control.
You become more active when you have a dog without even realizing it. By playing with your dog and going for a walk, you provide your body with additional exercise every day, which is vital if you lead a sedentary lifestyle.
According to Healthy People, in one study, 20 minutes of walking your dog five times a week resulted in a 14.4-pound weight loss over the course of a year.
In addition, according to another study, dog owners walk an average of 2,760 steps more than those without dogs.
“We were surprised to find that dog walkers were on average more physically active and spent less time sitting on colder, wetter and darker days than non-dog walkers on long, sunny and warm summer days,” said Andy Jones. . a professor at the University of East Anglia who was in charge of the study.
Even if you don’t need to lose weight, at least walking or playing with your best friend keeps you physically active. In turn, this can increase the energy and stamina that you so badly need as an entrepreneur.
6. Dogs can teach you valuable skills.
“Dog owners know that training takes time, effort and patience, all of which are helpful in other aspects of our lives,” the people of Purina say. “But that’s not the only thing owning a dog teaches us. From enjoying the outdoors to appreciating the smallest things in life, our dogs really know how to lead by example when it comes to happiness. “
Also, having a dog in the family can teach children responsibilities, such as feeding and walking them. One study concluded that “attachment to pets plays an important role in children’s social, emotional and cognitive development, mental health, well-being and quality of life.” He also stated that “dogs can help children regulate their emotions.”
Even if you wait until adulthood to have your own dog, you can learn these skills. Ask anyone who has a puppy how much responsibility they have now. Seriously, it’s like having a newborn.
Also, your dog can help you improve his communication skills. Mainly, this is because they encourage conversations, help you read non-verbal cues, and help you focus on the other person. Also, they will make you more empathetic.
Finally, a study from Tufts University Cummings College of Veterinary Medicine found that a person’s attachment to a pet allows them to feel more connected to their community and their human relationships.
Suffice it to say that all of these skills are essential for entrepreneurs to possess if they are to be successful.
7. Having dogs at work reduces absenteeism.
Whether you’re working remotely, hybrid, or in a traditional workplace, owning a dog reduces personal or sick days. One reason is that owning a dog strengthens that immune system. Another is that having a dog around leads to a calmer and more pleasant work environment.
Additionally, research shows that employees who bring their dogs to work have higher levels of job satisfaction and have a more positive perception of their employers.
8. Dogs promote integration between work and life.
The ability to bring dogs to work allows you and your team to successfully balance your personal and professional lives. For example, since your puppy will be at work, there is no need to worry or rush home to feed and walk the dog.
Similarly, this can also improve productivity.
“This makes sense when you consider that several studies have shown that taking short breaks during the workday, whether it’s to fetch something for lunch or to stop and scratch a dog behind the ear, helps employees. to regain focus and energy, avoiding that common mid-afternoon crash, “says Amanda Augustine, TopResume racing expert.
9. Dogs make sleep work.
According to a study from Central Michigan University, dogs can foster teamwork through trust and collaboration. For example, those who worked together on a project while a dog was present “rated their teammates higher on measures of team trust, cohesion, and intimacy than those who did not.”
10. Have a dog, retain employees.
Keeping the morale and happiness of your employees high is key to retaining workers. This leads to better productivity and profitability. It should come as no surprise then that in a Fortune.com survey, 53% of employees in non-pet-friendly offices say they would be more likely to stay if they could bring their pets to the office.
11. Dogs can improve the image of your company.
Last week I stopped by my local convenience store to pick up some last minute dinner items. To my surprise, the owner just received an adorable yellow lab puppy. As I was doing my shopping, this bundle of joy followed me around the store. Needless to say, this made my experience that much more enjoyable, and I will gladly visit again soon to hang out with this pup again.
It goes without saying that incorporating a dog-friendly culture can bolster your company’s reputation.
And, as a bonus, that doesn’t happen when it comes to customers. So it’s also an effective tactic to attract top talent, as Millennials, in particular, are demanding more workplaces that include pets.
“Employers are starting to realize that if a Millennial brings … a pet to work, you end up getting a more focused employee, someone more comfortable in the office, and a person willing to work longer hours,” said Bob Vetere, president. . and executive director of the American Pet Products Association, in an interview with CNBC.
According to Vetere, Millennials are likely to view their pets “as foster families or foster families and appear to be more verbal in their wants and needs for their pet and in making sure their pet is well cared for and cared for.”
Image credit: Alena Darmel; Pexels; Thanks!
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