Therapist Tip:
A tip to improve our Emotional & Mental Health ⬇️
🧡🧡🧡
F O S T E R I N G R E S C U ES
🧡🧡🧡
It is an incredible way to
🐶 Save a life
🐶 Bring more love into yours
🐶 Move out of depression via the vehicle of giving service to less fortunate
In fact, fostering rescue dogs offers several biological benefits, many of which are linked to improved mental, emotional and physical health:
1. Increased Dopamine Release: Interacting with dogs can lead to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. This can enhance mood and provide a sense of satisfaction, especially when caring for a dog and witnessing its improvement.
2. Oxytocin Boost: Spending time with dogs can increase the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin promotes bonding and feelings of love and trust, which can reduce stress and anxiety. This hormone also plays a role in reducing blood pressure and improving heart health.
3. Reduction in Cortisol Levels: Engaging with dogs can lower cortisol levels, a hormone related to stress. This can help foster a sense of calm and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression.
4. Endorphin Release: Physical activities with dogs, such as walking or playing, can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. This contributes to a feeling of well-being and can even alleviate pain.
5. Improved Immune Function: Regular interaction with dogs may bolster the immune system. Exposure to different environments and germs from dogs can help build immunity, potentially reducing the risk of allergies and boosting overall health. ( Just beware of parasites so don’t miss them near the mouth )
6. Increased Physical Activity: Fostering dogs often involves physical activities like walking and playing, which can help maintain cardiovascular health, improve muscle tone, and contribute to weight management. Regular exercise is also known to improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
7. Enhanced Social Interaction: Fostering dogs can encourage social interaction with other dog owners or people in the community, which can provide a sense of belonging and improve overall mental well-being.
Fostering rescue dogs provides many biological benefits that contribute to both physical and mental health, primarily through increased interaction and bonding, stress reduction, and the promotion of an active lifestyle.
And the best part, if you’re a commitment phobe or plan to move to El Salvador 🇸🇻 if your country continues to go to shit, you are not tied down. Foster caring is as temporary or as long term as you can offer or until the dog is adopted.
Plus this is a great way to find the dog that best suits YOUR needs & THEIRS. Example : you work long hours do a 9 + year old senior is perfect for you as all they want is a warm bed to lay in , to welcome you home at night & some food & cuddles. Easy peasy! Plus if you can’t afford it the rescue organisation will supply you with food and all supplies! Yay!
Here are some of mine!!!
#volunteernostr
#fosteringrescuedogs
#fosteringrules
#love
#health
#wellbeing