Dr. Rippe's Blog

Taking a walk yesterday with our family's golden labs reminded me, as always, about how important pets can be to human well-being. Even though the Northeast has been trapped in an usually high heat wave, the dogs and I enjoyed getting out among the trees, tossing some sticks, and playing a bit. Such moments are a welcome break in my hectic schedule and give me brief moments of relaxation and enjoyment that refresh me as I go back to work.

Research has shown that over 90% of people who have pets consider them valuable members of the family. And like good friends and family, pets provide emotional support and companionship. In some studies, having a pet has been shown particularly to enhance the quality of life of older people who live alone in the community. Personally, I discovered the value of animal companionship during a period early in my life when I was working as a potter and managing an art pottery studio in an isolated setting. My Lab provided physical company and emotional support. Research has also shown that the social support provided by our pets helps reduce the perception of stress.

So you might remember these benefits when you take time to play spontaneously with your pet or pets or when you think about giving in to your desire to have a pet for yourself or the family.

Getting outside daily in green and pleasant surroundings may be very good for your mood, self-esteem and sense of well-being. Although the research is not extensive or conclusive yet, there is a good bit that suggests taking time to get out and enjoy natural surroundings can be beneficial in the ways I just mentioned and help us better cope with stress. Something about the fresh green of trees and plants, and particularly the presence of water, calls up positive feelings in most people.

How can you take advantage of this?  Now that spring has arrived in most parts of the country, walk, run or bike outdoors. Take yourself out of the gym and off the treadmill, eliptical trainer and stationary bike. Make gardening, even if it's just a few pot plants, part of your incidental activity. If you have a deck or patio, getting up 10 minutes early to enjoy a more leisurely breakfast outside on a mild morning can set you up for the day. Many people enjoy installing watergardens or water features in their outdoor spaces. A small recirculating fountain can fit on the smallest patio or deck. There are even small fountains for indoor use.

In addition to having a variety of orchids on the deep window sills in my airy office, I also enjoy having photos of outdoor scenes on my walls along with many of my children playing outdoors. A colleague in a cubicle keeps a lighthouse calendar (sky, water and greenery!) on her wall and enjoys a new scene each month.

Think about ways you can put a little nature in your day to enjoy a little uplift.

Tomorrow, millions of Americans gathered round millions of loaded tables will take time to give thanks for the blessings of life, including that of our families. That's a great thing.

Interestingly, considerable research is showing that adopting a daily approach to giving thanks or to being grateful helps foster greater happiness and better attitudes and abilities to cope in everyday life. In some studies, people wrote in a "gratitude journal" everyday or made a list of things they were grateful for. Participants generally reported fewer physical ailments, felt better about their lives overall, and were more positive about what the near future held. Such findings in different studies held true for children and youth as well as adults.

Thinking once a day, perhaps in your personal time, for one thing or person or event that you are thankful or grateful for may be worth adding to your plan for balance.