Learn how spending time with an emotional support animal could help you revive the joy of small things and stimulate your mental health.
Being in the company of animals is a natural way to introspect and experience something new. If you have ever got a chance to get closer to these creatures then you might know how much we have to learn from them than the contrary.
I certainly have gone out for hiking and walking in the company of my dog, more than I would go otherwise. I have countless memories of how me and Crane (My dog, now 3 yr old), discovered new spots every other time we would go for a hike.
But other than physical exercises, dogs add so much to our everyday lives. The therapeutic and mental health benefits have attracted many patients to adopt an emotional support animal to overcome their stress and depression.
You can avail of the benefits of an emotional support animal if you are going through any emotional distress or mental illness. Applying for an ESA letter would be the foremost thing that you would do here. A licensed health care provider could examine your application or condition and you can even consult your primary doctor to fax your reports to your ESA physician to streamline the process.
But to concede that, you have a condition that might need professional assistance is both a brave and important decision.
The mindful behavior and empathetic nature of an ESA is sometimes just the thing one needs when in a stressful condition. In the company of these animals, many individuals have been able to overcome their anxiety issues and have learned to balance their stress levels. Many ESA owners have testified about how their ESAs helped them to overcome depression and post-traumatic stress.
Let us Have a Look at The Several Medical Conditions for Which an ESA Could be Helpful
- Anxiety Disorders
- Disabilities in learning
- Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)
- Depression
- Phobias
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
In case you are going through one of these conditions or are not sure regarding your ongoing emotional distress then don’t delay to reach out to a licensed physician. Getting professional help will provide you the needed guidance.
See How Having an ESA in Your Household Leads You to Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes:
Exercising Regularly:
Going out with your dog in your nearby park or tagging your ESA along in your morning walks is rewarding in many ways. Studies show that dog owners exercise frequently and are likely to meet their weekly workout requirements. This not only amplifies the connection between two of you but is also a great way of keeping yourself and your pet active and healthy.
Your ESA Could Help You Socialize:
You must have seen how dogs are keen to make new friends whether among their own kind or fellow humans. These creatures are good at breaking the ice and striking opportunities to have a conversation with fellow joggers.Bonding socially with others is essential for our well being and creates a sense of belonging and togetherness.
Having a dog as an ESA is a nice way to explore your community and having a candid adventure. A study among 800 people showed that people who own dogs are more likely to have a deeper sense of community and increased physical activity which adds up to having healthy aging.
Reducing Anxiety And Stress
Being in the company of animals can help people to have a hold on their anxiety issues. The empathetic nature of emotional support animals helps to build confidence and offer comfort and support. Enjoying small moments and being grateful is something that we can learn from our ESAs. Having a positive and playful attitude adds up to your character and helps you make healthy decisions. Engaging with your pets or striking an emotionally supportive cat or dog could lower your blood pressure and make you feel less stressed.
Companionship And Health
Often loneliness in life and self-isolation leads to having bigger problems and can trigger depression. Your ESA’s can help you live longer and prevent certain illnesses. A study showed that people who have pets live longer and have a lower chance of having a cardiovascular disease.
Benefit to Older People
Post-retirement life could be difficult for some people. Having enough time and not enough activities to do could lead to a diminished sense of purpose in life. Befriending your grandparents with a pet could bring positivity and boost their morale and self-worth. Adopting an ESA could help older people to stay connected, as maintaining your social connection isn’t always easy when you grow older. Retirement, illnesses, and lack of a social network could be hard in older age. Exercising with an ESA could boost their vitality, help them meet new people, and overcome a few physical challenges.