4 Ways Your Dog Can Help You Stay Stress Free During the Holidays

Let’s face it – the holiday season can be a stressful time. And it’s no wonder. The holidays often present a dizzying array of demands – shopping, cooking, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. You may also feel stressed or anxious because your holiday plans may look different due to ongoing COVID-19 infections.

But when it comes to coping with holiday stress, you have a secret weapon – your dog!

Dogs are amazing at helping you stay calm and relaxed, which can be especially helpful during more stressful times, such as during the holidays.

But how does your dog help you cope with your stress? Here are 4 ways your dog can help you stay stress-free during the holidays.

Petting your dog reduces stress hormones

When we’re stressed, our bodies release cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Research has shown that petting your dog reduces the level of cortisol in your system, helping you stay calm and centered. What’s more, petting your dog for just 15 minutes boosts the so-called “feel-good” hormones serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin, and even lowers blood pressure by 10 percent.

Take a few minutes out of every day between now and the holidays for a stress-reducing snuggle session with your dog.

Walking with your dog lowers stress

Between the lower temperatures, shorter days and seemingly endless to-do’s, it can be tempting to forgo your daily walk with your dog.

But one of the best things you can do to beat holiday stress? Go for a walk, hike or run.

Aerobic exercise, like walking, has a number of stress-busting benefits, including reducing stress hormones (like adrenaline and cortisol) in the body, releasing feel-good endorphins, and improving mood and sleep quality.

Next time you start to feel overwhelmed by holiday stress, lace up your shoes, grab your leash, and take your dog for a walk or jog around the block. By the time you get back, you’ll be feeling a lot better – and less stressed.

Your dog reminds you to relax

Yes, I know. Decorations need to be put up. Presents need to be wrapped. Gifts need to be delivered. Meals need to be prepared. Cleaning needs to get done. Travel plans need to be made. Dog boarding reservations need to be made – the list goes on.

With so much to do during the holidays, it can be easy to get caught up in the stress and forget to relax and have fun.

Your dog can be a great reminder to not take yourself so seriously. Whether it’s delighting in something cute your dog does, taking a break from all your to-do’s for a quick game, or just run around in the backyard together, dogs are great at pulling you out of holiday stress mode and reminding you to loosen up and enjoy your time.

And really, isn’t that what the holidays are all about anyway?

Make sure your dog feels calm during the holidays too

Remember it’s just as important to make sure your dog feels calm during the holidays. The holidays can be stressful for you, but they can also be a stressful time for your dog as well. During the holidays, your dog can become stressed due to increase in visitors (and delivery people) to your home as well as changes in their schedule.

Taking care of your dog and focusing on his or her needs can help you relax and refocus your energy, thus helping you feel better too!

In order to make your dog feels as stress-free as possible, be sure to:

Maintain a consistent routine

Dogs thrive on routine. The more your schedule remains consistent, the less stress your dog will experience. Try to maintain regular a regular schedule for meals, walks and sleep.

Make sure visitors respect your dog

If you have out-of-town guests staying with you over the holidays, make sure they treat your dog’s space and routines with respect. If there are children visiting, make sure they know how to be kind to your dog and not tease him or her.

Take time out to spend with your dog

Your dog still needs your love and attention, especially if holiday obligations have you out of the house more often than usual. Be sure to enlist the help of Canine Campus instead of leaving your dog home alone for periods of time.

The unconditional friendship and love we share with our dogs can provide a refuge during stressful times in our lives, including during the holidays. Whether you curl up on the couch together, go for a quiet walk or simply pet your dog for a while, there are health benefits to finding time to decompress with your dog by your side.

In what ways does your dog help you cope with stress? Please share your experience in the comments below.