International Stress Awareness Day - Wednesday 11-06-2024

Tomorrow, November 6th 2024, is International Stress Awareness Day. This day was started by the UK based International Stress Management Association 50 years ago and is a day for people around the globe to recognize, manage, and reduce stress in our lives. Stress is an unavoidable facet of modern life, but how we deal with our stressors is a detailed playbook of tools and responses that we continually refine based on continued life experiences.

The life of a cat parent can be stressful at times, but it is important to remember all the benefits that come from living with and caring for a pet. Sitting with or petting a cat for just ten minutes is shown to increase levels of oxytocin and cortisol. Cat ownership has been linked to reduced risk of stroke and heart disease, and the frequency of a cat’s purr is believed to have positive effects on bone growth and healing. Cats can be excellent listeners and verbalizing your emotions, even to kitty ears, is thought to have positive cognitive benefits.

Of course one of the best relievers of stress is laughter, and we’ve all seen even the most serious and dignified felines turn into absolute goofballs on occasion. Play time with cats is beneficial to all involved, giving them exercise, mental enrichment, and the occasional treat, while providing their human companions laughter, entertainment, companionship, and a bond truly unique to each cat-human partnership.

In times of stress, it’s always a good idea to share a few minutes of your day with a cat.