Harnessing the Power of Feel-Good Chemicals: Activities to do with your Dog to Boost Mental Well-Being
In our quest for happiness and fulfillment, our brains produce a variety of chemicals known as "feel-good chemicals" or neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating our mood, emotions, and overall mental well-being. In this blog, we'll explore four key neurotransmitters - dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins - and specific activities that can help release them, promoting a sense of joy, relaxation, and connection. The best part is that All of these can be enhanced by doing them with your dog!
Oxytocin:
The Bonding Hormone Oxytocin is often called the "bonding hormone" or "love hormone" because it's released during social bonding and intimate interactions. Activities that promote oxytocin release include:
Hugging loved ones: Physical touch, such as hugging or cuddling, triggers oxytocin release and strengthens social bonds.
Interestingly, dogs don’t enjoy being hugged. Try long, smooth strokes down their backs, or ear scritches instead.
Spending time with pets: Interacting with animals, particularly dogs, can increase oxytocin levels and promote feelings of connection and affection.
Research shows that spending time with dogs lowers stress, decreases blood pressure, and increases happiness.
Engaging in acts of kindness: Helping others or performing random acts of kindness can stimulate oxytocin release and foster a sense of empathy and connection.
Dogs are so fun to do things for because they think everything you do for them is amazing! From giving them a treat, sharing a bite of your snack, to a simple “good dog”, they love it all!
Volunteer with your local animal shelter or rescue. Most of them have opportunities suitable to anyone’s abilities and availability.
Endorphins:
The Pain Relievers. Endorphins are the body's natural pain relievers and mood elevators. Activities that stimulate endorphin release include:
Exercise: Endorphins are released during physical activity, providing a natural "high" and reducing feelings of pain and stress.
Dogs are great motivators to exercise. Enjoy a game of fetch, find a nature trail to explore, try a new dog sport like agility or scent work.
Laughter: Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, so watching a funny movie, attending a comedy show, or spending time with humorous friends can boost mood and promote relaxation.
Most dogs are natural comedians. Have a good giggle watching your dogs silly antics. Give them some peanut butter and laugh at the silly faces they make!
Listening to music: Listening to upbeat or uplifting music can stimulate the release of endorphins and improve mood and emotional well-being.
Have a dance party with your dog. They will love to jump and frolic with you! You could even try Dog Freestyle.
Seratonin:
Seratonin is known as the "mood stabilizer" because it helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Activities that boost serotonin include:
Spending time in sunlight: Sunlight exposure triggers the production of serotonin in the brain, so spending time outdoors or using a light therapy lamp can elevate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
Dogs need and enjoy sunlight too! Morning sun is especially helpful as it triggers your circadian rhythm, which improves sleep. Commit to lounging, walking or sitting out in the sun with your canine companion for a few minutes a day.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapy has been shown to increase serotonin levels and reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a sense of relaxation and well-being.
Did you know you can give your dog a massage? Light some dog friendly scented candles, put on some soft music and give your dog a massage. You’ll be surprised how relaxing this is for both of you.
Practicing gratitude: Expressing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of life can increase serotonin levels and promote feelings of happiness and contentment.
Dogs are great for teaching us to stop and smell the roses. Take your dog on a sniffie walk and while they’re taking in the great smells, think of 3 things you are grateful for in your own life, including your furbaby!
Dopamine:
The Reward Chemical Dopamine is often referred to as the "reward chemical" because it's released when we experience pleasure or achieve a goal. Activities that stimulate dopamine release include:
Setting and achieving goals: Whether it's completing a project, reaching a fitness milestone, or mastering a new skill, accomplishing goals triggers dopamine release and boosts motivation.
Try Dog Training! Teach your dog something new and fun using positive reinforcement.
Engaging in creative pursuits: Painting, writing, playing music, or any form of creative expression can activate dopamine pathways and enhance feelings of satisfaction.
Take a dog painting course, learn to make homemade dog treats, write a song or story about your dog, learn dog photography
Exercising: Physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, increases dopamine levels, leading to a "runner's high" and a sense of euphoria.
Join a “dog walk challenge” or commit to walking your dog daily. Just 10 minutes a day is proven to have mental health benefits
Incorporating activities that promote the release of feel-good chemicals into our daily lives can have profound effects on our mental health and well-being. By engaging in these activities with our canine companions we can boost mood, reduce stress, and cultivate a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment.
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Carrie Raap at R+ Therapy is in Tucson, AZ. Carrie is an online therapist with more than 20 years experience. Her therapeutic specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, coping, and making positive changes. She has numerous credentials, including a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) and a license in clinical social work (LCSW). She is also a Certified Service Dog Trainer and loves blending these passions to help people improve their mental health with Canine Assisted Therapy .