When going through a tough emotional state, the time you spend with your pet can make sense in a chaotic world. Research into the human-animal bond continues to reinforce the same basic truth: interacting with pets can reduce stress levels, alleviate feelings of loneliness, and help you cope with hard times.

However, you have to treat the bond between you and your pet as something you actively nurture instead of something that just happens by chance.

Here are a few techniques to help you make that bond stronger and more stable.

Do Intentional Daily Check Ins

Intentional daily check-ins are like brief, holy instants when you and your pet are fully present for each other. No phone calls, no television, no multi-tasking. Just eye contact, a little touch, and being present in the moment.

The practice works because it triggers the release of oxytocin, reduces levels of stress hormones, and makes you feel safe. And over time, your body learns that your pet is a reliable source of comfort when anxiety, grief, or depression seems to take hold of your life.

For some people, this technique becomes more effective, especially when emotional support is clinically significant. If your anxiety or depression seriously interferes with your ability to function, your pet can then turn into an emotional support animal (ESA). 

However, if you have to keep these animals with you, it’s usually important to get an ESA letter from a professional. An ESA letter is from a mental health professional stating you have a mental or emotional disability and your animal helps alleviate one or more of your symptoms. 

In case you’re interested in getting an emotional support animal, you should also consider getting an ESA letter. Remember, getting a letter doesn’t mean you’re seeking a label for its own sake. You’re validating a relationship that’s already helping your mental health and your home life.

Build Supportive Routines Together

Unstructured time can feel even more overwhelming when you’re feeling down or anxious.

When you’re in a negative state of mind, you might want to cut out everything you see as extra from your life, but your pet can help you get out of this situation.

Animals thrive on routine, you have to be there for them as well as yourself.

Feeding, walking, grooming, and playing with your pet can provide you with structure and something to do. This can be very helpful for those dealing with mental health challenges.

To apply this technique effectively, you might consider the following:

• Select an activity that gets you moving. It could be a daily walk at approximately the same time every day. It could also be stretching while your pet is by your side. Or, it could simply be a game of fetch to feel more present in the moment.
• Be sure to select a calming routine to feel better. It could be brushing your pet, giving them a massage, or having a snuggle-only time before bed.

No matter what routine or activity you select, you must ensure that you go with something that you can do even when you’re feeling low.

Take your time and decide what works for you. For some people it might be a five-minute walk, but for others, it could be a three-minute grooming session. Pick whatever works for you.

Endnote

When feeling emotionally low, sticking to small, purposeful routines with your pet can quietly help you overcome stress and anxiety.

When done with love and care, these routines can strengthen the bond, build trust, and even help you become aware of when that support begins to constitute clinically significant emotional assistance.