Are You Considering Owning A Home Office Pet?
There are so many benefits to working from home. I have enjoyed my travels and living alone for the past few years. But recently, I started to feel lonely. And not lonely for a relationship with another human. Indeed, I knew it was time for me to find a new fur baby.
A dog, in particular. It had been over a year and a half since my soulmate Chewy left me for doggy heaven. So, for my birthday, I adopted my new love, Winston. I wasn’t exactly wanting a puppy, but there he was. Waiting for me with his tail wagging.
It has been a good season of training. Winston has done a good job. I guess that means, we both are doing well with his training. Although, there were some life alterations around this new relationship. I have no regrets.
So then, I did a little research on the benefits of having a home office pet for those of us whose businesses are home-based. I found more than three, but these stood out the most.
Social Support and Stress Reduction
“One potential benefit of dogs in the workplace is that they provide an additional source of social support for the employee. The term “social support” is often used to describe the mechanisms by which relationships with other people buffer individuals from stress. For example, increased social support was associated with lower levels of depression and better job performance in a survey of 240 hospital workers, whereas low social support at work has been associated with diagnoses of depression and anxiety.” [1]
Research has shown that pet ownership helps reduce workplace stress.
The above-mentioned study also confirms my belief that dogs are better than people. But not in those exact words… And don’t get me wrong, the adjusting period of bringing a new pet into your home can be stressful. But it passes.
Consequently, the eventual reduction in stress makes it worth the initial strain on your time and energy. Winston and I are now in a good rhythm within our schedule.
How a Home Office Pet Helps Increase Productivity
Working from home has increased my productivity. When it comes to my pets, I tend to worry about separation anxiety. And, we all know how worry affects productivity.
But my work is at home and there is little separation. Additionally, I find I am motivated to complete the work-day so I can play with my new best friend.
Let’s just say, Winston is more than a home office pet. Winston is the best assistant I’ve ever had. He is my confidant, my consigliere…
“No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.” – Christopher Morley
Exercise
I love to move. However, when I am hyper-focused on a project, I tend to find myself finally closing my laptop at 11PM. Having not moved for most of the day.
This includes taking time to eat and hydrate…
Well, no problem there. My Winston makes sure I know when it is time to eat and more importantly… get out for a walk. And we take several walks daily.
We live in one of the most walkable areas in our region. Sometimes, we run. Well, he runs, I chase him!
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
― Anatole France
A Home Office Pet Helps Boost Overall Happiness
Spending quality time with a pet increases happiness. My joy has skyrocketed since Winston has come into my life. The cuddles, his silliness…I have learned to be silly again. My quality of life is generally great these days.
That wet nose waking me up in the morning and his wagging tail knocking on the wall next to me. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, this is called “the pet effect.” [2]
Do you have a home office pet? If so, have you taken a good look at how he or she impacts your work and life? Or maybe you are presently considering one. I encourage you to find one. 80 million U.S. households’ own pets. Why not you?
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References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5451949/
- https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/alleviating-anxiety-stress-and-depression-pet