How Owning a Dog or Cat Can Reduce Stress

Elizabeth Scott, About.com Guide to Stress, is the most savvy person I know about stress management. She definitely knows her stuff where it comes to the ways cats and dogs can help relieve stress. Elizabeth says, "While human friends provide great social support and come with some fabulous benefits, this article focuses on the benefits of furry friends: cats and dogs! Research shows that, unless you’re someone who really dislikes animals or is absolutely too busy to care for one properly, pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief and other health benefits—perhaps more than people!"

When I go to bed at night after a hard day at work, my muscles are tense and knotted, and my jaw is tight from tension. But the minute I turn on my side and little Jenny moves into my arms, and I feel and hear the vibrations of her purring, I can feel the tension simply melt away. Learn more about other health benefits of pets, from Elizabeth.
_{Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy}