April is Stress Awareness Month! Research from the Mental Health Foundation has found that in the last year 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point that they have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. But did you know, stroking a dog has a huge effect on stress as it has been shown to be calming for both the dog and the person petting them. As dog-lovers, we know there is nothing that combats stress quite like snuggling with our dogs. When an individual pets a dog, hormones such as serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin, which play a role in elevating moods, are released in the brain. This helps lower your stress levels and also helps ease loneliness and depression.
Over 95% of our clients say that since having a Therapy Dog join their family, they have noticed lower stress levels in their children as well as themselves. This also includes schools during exam periods and in classrooms.
To find out more, Donate or to start your journey today and apply for a Therapy dog, please contact us via Facebook, email or on our website: https://www.balesbuddies.org