Sometimes, we fill our lives to the brim with various activities, which at times also include our pets. We have become so used to being busy doing things, that we occasionally forget how important it is to spend some quiet time with our pets. Dr Nicoleen Coetzee, research psychologist and senior lecturer at the Department of Psychology of the University of Pretoria, explains the benefits of relaxing with your pet.
Calm down
“When we chill or relax, our parasympathetic nervous system is activated. This is the nervous system that returns all activated psychological/physiological processes back to normal after we experience arousal in the form of being active or experiencing stress,” says Dr Coetzee.
She also explains that arousal in any form, like excitement or stress, activates the sympathetic nervous system, which energises the body to deal with the challenge, and we expend energy. “When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, the body returns to a state of rest, during which rejuvenation takes place. We literally recharge our batteries when we quiet down, and even more so while we sleep.”
The benefits
Besides boosting your energy, there are other benefits of relaxing with your pet. “Pets are what we call natural biofeedback systems. For example, when you are energised but stroke your pet who is calm, you will also calm down, because your physiological processes will mirror his. Pets also help us to be more mindful, which research has shown is a wonderful way of dealing with stress.
“Mindfulness entails a person being in the moment by taking in their immediate surroundings and focusing on what is happening in it. Pet owners will therefore focus on how their pets feel (by stroking them), how they smell and what they are doing. Quiet time is also important for pets because, just like their humans, they also expend a lot of energy when they are active, and chilling helps them to relax and recharge,” explains Dr Coetzee.
Perfect timing
Choosing the ideal time to be quiet with your pet does take a bit of planning. “Remember, when it is your pet’s playtime, you are going to have trouble to get him to quiet down. So, observe him and see when the best time will be to have quiet time with your pet. Some dogs want to sleep right after exercise, so you might want to have quiet time early in the mornings or in the evenings before going to bed. I have seen plenty of pets who, just like their owners, cannot get out of bed in the mornings.
“Since pets mirror our behaviour, it is also important to act calm when you want your pet to be quiet with you. Some pets like music and owners can try that. My furbabies, unfortunately, only listen to dance music, so I stroke them in their special spot when I want them to quiet down. My old Jack Russell Terrier and I will sometime share healthy snacks during my work breaks.”
Would you like five ideas on how you can relax with your pet? Read the article in the December 2021 edition of Animaltalk magazine. Get your copy from retail stores or order a digital or printed copy from www.coolmags.co.za.
