It is in times like this, that society as a whole must come together and support each other. You can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to others by visiting https://www.australia.gov.au/ and keeping up to date with good hygiene and practicing physical distancing by staying at home, unless it is absolutely necessary to go out, such as working or shopping for food.
However, during self-isolation it is no surprise that boredom can easily strike. There are many creative ways to stay busy, and why not give back to the community while you do it?
Forget toilet paper, paper towels and soap, real necessities include furry friends. As NSW schools will stay open, parents are being encouraged to keep their kids at home as the state ramps up online learning efforts amid the coronavirus pandemic. According to The Canberra Times, Gladys Berejiklian stated that almost one third of parents in NSW were already keeping their kids home. This time of seclusion gives people the perfect opportunity to adopt or foster an animal.
"Companionship can help prevent illness and even add years to your life, while isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression. Caring for a live animal can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems, especially if you live alone. Most dog and cat owners talk to their pets; some even use them to work through their troubles. And nothing beats loneliness like coming home to a wagging tail or purring cat.” –HelpGuide
According to HelpGuide , studies have found that:
Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets. One study even found that when people with borderline hypertension adopted dogs from a shelter, their blood pressure declined significantly within five months.
Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.
Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without.
Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.
While people with pets often experience the greatest health benefits, a pet doesn’t necessarily have to be a dog or a cat. Even watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce muscle tension and lower pulse rate.
Shelters need help. People now finally have the time to properly train and care for a pet. Find your forever friend today: