As the new school year rolls around and College students move into school and start their classes, it can be a very exciting time for students. Although this time is full of new opportunities such as new classes, new friends and for some, new jobs, this time can also be extremely stressful. For many students, there is a special source of relief waiting for them at home or around campus, and this is the company of a furry friend; dogs.
It’s no secret that pets can bring a lot of happiness to their owners, but more and more recent research is actually showing that dogs, in particular, have helped create a huge reduction in stress among college students. Quality time such as cuddling or taking your pet for a walk provides a large sense of comfort among students, helping to fight the everyday stressors that so many young adults suffer from during their time in school. These everyday stressors can include family issues, school assignments and exams, and anxiety in the social aspect of college.
One big reason dogs are so effective at reducing stress is benefits just from the simple act of petting them. Many studies have shown that petting a dog can increase levels of oxytocin which is a hormone linked to happiness. Petting a dog is also proven to help lower levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone. Essentially, spending time with a dog can make a person feel happier and more at ease while also easing the physical and mental effects of stress.
For many students who deal with high levels of anxiety or even depression, having a dog to care for can also provide structure to their day. Dogs require a regular routine including walks, feeding, and attention, which helps force the owner to take breaks from studying or other stressful activities and focus on a dog’s needs. This allows students to shift their attention away from their own worries, and provides them a productive, calming and healthy routine and activity.
Many college campuses are catching on to the benefits that dogs can offer students. Universities across the country, including SUNY Cortland, have introduced therapy dog programs, where students can spend time and interact with trained dogs during difficult times, like finals week. These programs are designed to give students a mental health boost and a support system to calm their minds during the stress of everyday life.