Taking Your Dog to Work Is Actually Great for Your Mental Health

We all know that there are many benefits to having a dog (other than taking cute pics). Science says having a dog as a child makes you less likely to suffer from anxiety, that it’s better to sleep next to a dog than a human, and there are now airport therapy dogs for nervous fliers. So it’s pretty clear that dogs are brilliant for our health.

As if we needed any more proof, a study has revealed that your mental health can be massively improved by doing one simple thing: bringing your dog to work.

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And it just so happens that today is National ‘Bring Your Dog To Work Day.’

The International Journal of Workplace Health Management published a study in 2012 which found that employees reported lower stress levels throughout the day when they took their dogs to work. It also noted that their levels of job satisfaction were higher.

WATCH: 11 Foods That You Should Never Feed Your Pets

Experts agree that dogs in the office can reduce stress and boost your mood.

Dr Daniel Allen, an animal geographer at Keele University told Pretty52: ‘Research has repeatedly shown the positive impact canine companions can have on our lives. It’s not surprising that dogs are the most commonly used animal in therapy, regularly featuring as participants in mental health programmes.

‘There’s something special about being in the company of dogs. Offering companionship, positive associations and unconditional love, the briefest of encounters can lift the mood, reduce stress levels and make you happy.

‘If every day was ‘bring your dog to work day,’ I think a lot of people and a lot of dogs would be much happier.’

So show this to your boss and fingers crossed every day will be ‘Bring Your Dog To Work Day’.

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