Written by Kristin Crouch

It seems like anxiety is much more prevalent in recent years.  How many commercials advertising the latest greatest anxiety drug during each prime time TV show?  Would everyone who suffers from this often debilitating issue please raise their hands? (Hand raised.) I definitely believe in western medicine, but I also believe in the power of animals.  At a recent party, I was offered a seat in the middle of a crowd.  Feeling uncomfortable, I said no thank you, and chose instead to sit on the outskirts where the family’s dog had already taken a spot.  Petting and interacting with the dog allowed me to participate with the group without being overcome by panic.  Dogs – and cats too know what’s up.  They can often read a person better than another person can.  They know who is a friend, and who is bad news. If I hang out with the pets, I’m sure to make a friend for life.  Bonus points if that friend is also a human!

It is a proven fact that people with animals are calmer and live longer.  Many a night I can’t wait to get home to snuggle with my cats, because I know my woes and anxiety will melt away with each happy purr.  Find yourself in a position with no animals around?  No problem.  Just walk outside and watch a squirrel playing in a tree, or a bird looking for some seeds to eat.  Just stay clear of the blue jays – trust me on this one.  Even watching a busy colony of ants can be calming, as long as they aren’t headed for your house. Even now as I type this with my cat curled in my lap, I feel the anguish of the day fading, and can’t even remember what got me so anxious in the first place.

As a society, we have become drones.  We wake up, hurry to work, come home, and busy ourselves with numerous housekeeping tasks.  Some of us are lucky enough to have jobs that we love, but even so, between work stress and money or relationship woes, it’s no wonder pharmaceutical companies are making such huge profits.  I say, take a cue from the animals. Nap often, play often, and don’t fret about the small stuff.  Yes, the big stuff still matters, but take a deep breath, hug your dog, and you’ll feel better.  I promise. Focus inward and notice how they approach life.  We could all be much happier.

Holidays can be especially stressful for people suffering with anxiety, but we are almost through the holiday season, and only a few parties remain.  So go out, have fun, don’t let life get you down.  Oh, and if you happen to see me at one of those parties, come say hi.  I’ll be the one sitting with the dog.