If you are a pet owner, you understand the positive impact seeing your favourite furry one can have on your mood. In fact, interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol which is a stress-related hormone and in turn lower blood pressure.
Other studies have found that pets can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and overall, can help those who struggle with their mental health.
READ MORE: Mango shoppers go wild for 'gorgeous' floaty £80 Summer dress' that's 'giving wedding guest'
Students in Salford and Manchester have been reducing their student stresses by taking part in puppy therapy.
The regular dog therapy events at True Student accommodation in Salford have been boosting well-being and helping students settle into university life.
According to their research, pets on campuses is the most wished-for addition to UK universities with over a quarter of young people (27.53%) in the Manchester area saying they would like to see more pet-friendly universities in the future.
The events have soared in popularity since the pandemic as young people deal with unprecedented anxiety.
Run in conjunction with Therapy Dogs Nationwide, a charity offering dog therapy across different communities around the UK, the events offer social and well-being activities to support young people’s mental health as students have a chance to relax and bond with the canine stress-busters.
Adventurous students can also meet alpacas, take part in puppy yoga and even explore a mobile zoo.
True Student mental health expert Dominique Thompson said, “young people have been encountering particular mental health challenges in recent years and for many the start of university life can be a big change.
“Bonding with animals can be a great way to boost serotonin and dopamine, have fun and play, and switch off from over-thinking or anxiety.
“Some students also miss their family pet when they go away to university so experiences like this can really make them feel at home”
Sophia Langley is a student who takes part in puppy therapy, which she says has helped ease her mind and switch off from any of life’s stresses.
“Puppy therapy made me feel at ease because it removed all distractions and worries and created a safe and comforting environment for myself.
I felt an improvement in my mood because when playing with the puppy, it eases your mind, relaxes your body and enables you to focus on one thing.”
READ NEXT:
- 'Don’t have anyone in your house or seeing the dog you don’t know, if they see fresh wounds they could report you'
- Sean Dyche reveals what he'll tell Everton players before Man City fixture
- Brilliant Manchester companies celebrated at this year's MEN Business Awards
- Travel guru shares top tips to slash cost of 'bucket list' trips - including Northern Lights and New York
- Queer bookstore owner highlights the changes he wants from major chains in Pride month
