Bond with your pet routinely: Allocate daily quality time for your pet. Whether it’s a walk or cuddling, this strengthens your bond and creates the routine that we need.
Pets have always been more than just companions; they play a pivotal role in enhancing our mental well-being. From the unconditional love of a dog to the calming presence of a cat, pets have a unique way of alleviating stress, anxiety, and loneliness. But how do we truly harness the therapeutic potential of our furry, feathered, or scaled friends? How can they aid in promoting mindfulness, reducing depression, or even enhancing social interactions? In this interview series, we are talking to veterinarians, psychologists, therapists, pet trainers, and other experts who can shed light on how to maximize the mental health benefits of having a pet. As a part of this series I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Alex Reijnierse.
Alex Reijnierse is the founder of Paleo Stress Management, a platform committed to the holistic understanding and alleviation of stress. Armed with an MSc, Alex’s approach to wellness seamlessly blends personal experience with scholarly research. Having personally navigated the challenges of chronic stress, he has become a prominent voice in the world of mental well-being and holistic health solutions.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?
Igrew up an only child in a loving family. We were not rich or poor, just getting by like most of us. My father introduced me to my current interest in science and it resulted in me getting a university degree in electrical engineering. Later in life, I faced several setbacks. Both my parents fell seriously ill for an extended period, I lost my job, underwent a divorce etc. and all of that at the same time. This introduced a lot of chronic stress and even anxiety and depression for me. I used my scientific curiosity to look for ways to get through that period. Now I am sharing that knowledge with others on my website, so they do not have to go through that lengthy process as I did.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
When I began my journey with Paleo Stress Management, I had what the Germans would call an Aha-Erlebnis, a moment of clarity. I was already very much aware of stress reduction methods but recently started practicing cold exposure. During the energy crisis, I had turned down the thermostat in my house quite low. It was chilly. At the end of the day, I looked at my Garmin stress level only to notice that it was down WAY more than any other day. I was onto something! Since then, I was even more motivated to understand natural ways to manage stress and share it with the world.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
Certainly. One book that profoundly influenced my perspective is “Breath” by James Nestor. Nestor dives deep into the art and science of breathing, shedding light on how something so innate has been overlooked and sometimes wrongly practiced in modern times. Through a blend of historical anecdotes, scientific studies, and personal exploration, he unveils the transformative power of conscious breathing. This book resonated with me profoundly, especially given my background in holistic wellness. It reinforced the belief that the key to optimal health often lies in mastering basic, natural processes. Nestor’s work has not only deepened my own breathing practices but has also become a recommendation for those I engage with through Paleo Stress Management.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. Can you share a personal story about how a pet has helped you or someone you know to improve mental wellness?
One of the most enlightening moments in my journey with stress management occurred during a challenging phase in my life. I was dealing with mounting pressures and feeling quite overwhelmed. Amidst this, I instinctually turned more to my cat, and the transformation I witnessed within myself was profound. This gentle feline, with her purrs, offered me a daily dose of calm. Through her, I realized the depth of connection we can find with animals and how they can serve as anchors in turbulent times. This experience deepened my passion for holistic approaches to mental wellness and highlighted the power of simple, natural interventions in our hectic modern world.
While human interaction is essential for emotional well-being, in what ways do interactions with pets offer unique benefits that human relationships might not provide?
Firstly, pets provide an unwavering, non-judgmental support system. Unlike humans, they don’t hold grudges, bring up past faults, or critique our choices. Every interaction is in the present, free from the baggage of yesterday or the concerns of tomorrow.
Their love is the very definition of unconditional. There are no hidden agendas, conditions, or expectations. Whether you’ve had a successful day or faced numerous setbacks, your pet greets you with the same enthusiasm and affection. This consistency in their behavior instills a sense of stability and predictability in our lives, something that can be particularly comforting in turbulent times.
Moreover, the beauty of a pet-human relationship lies in its simplicity. Communication transcends spoken language. A dog’s wagging tail, a cat’s purr, or a bird’s chirp conveys emotions and sentiments more potently than words ever could. This non-verbal interaction can be therapeutic, especially for individuals who may find verbal communication challenging or overwhelming.
Can you explain how this works? How do pets, particularly common ones like dogs and cats, biologically and psychologically help to alleviate human stress levels and anxieties?
From a biological perspective, the simple act of petting or being in the presence of our pets activates our body’s response mechanisms in remarkable ways. One of the primary outcomes is the release of oxytocin, often dubbed the “love” or “bonding” hormone. This hormone plays a significant role in social bonding, emotional regulation, and even pain modulation. Its release induces feelings of contentment, relaxation, and trust, thereby reducing feelings of anxiety and fear.
Moreover, interactions with pets also decrease the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. Chronically elevated cortisol levels have been linked to various health issues, from sleep disturbances to cardiovascular problems. By helping to modulate this hormone, pets inadvertently contribute to our overall physical well-being.
On the psychological front, the consistent companionship of pets offers a sense of stability and predictability amidst the chaos of our daily lives. Their routine needs, like feeding or walking, anchor us to the present moment, promoting mindfulness and diverting our focus from ruminative or anxious thoughts.
In essence, the bond between humans and pets, especially common ones like dogs and cats, is multifaceted. It’s an intricate dance of biological responses and psychological interactions that together weave a safety net against the adversities of stress and anxiety. The silent promise of loyalty, of always being there, is a powerful antidote to the uncertainties and challenges we face.
In the backdrop of global events like pandemics or natural disasters, how have you seen pets playing a role in alleviating anxiety and providing comfort? Can you share some instances where pets have been integrated into therapeutic practices? How do they complement traditional therapeutic techniques?
During challenging global events, pets have emerged as silent heroes. The lockdowns due to the pandemic saw many individuals isolated from human interaction, and their pets became their primary source of companionship. Therapeutically, pets are now integrated into practices like pet-assisted therapy aka Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), where their mere presence can help reduce anxiety and boost mood. For instance, therapy dogs visiting hospitals or nursing homes provide a sense of normalcy and comfort in medical environments.
Not all pets are dogs or cats. From birds to fish to reptiles, how can individuals choose the right pet that aligns with their mental health needs?
The choice of pet is deeply personal and should align with an individual’s lifestyle, space, and mental health needs. For those with limited space or allergic concerns, fish or reptiles might be ideal. Birds, especially parrots, are interactive and can be therapeutic for those needing engagement. It’s essential to research and assess what kind of pet responsibility can be realistically managed and which will provide the desired emotional connection. A physical connection (touch) may provide another welcome level of comfort.
How does the act of taking care of a pet — feeding, grooming, exercising — contribute to an individual’s sense of purpose and mental well-being?
The process of caring for another living being, particularly a pet, taps into some of the foundational aspects of human psychology and well-being. Let’s explore this in greater depth:
- Routine and Structure: Humans, by nature, often seek structure and routine. It provides predictability in an unpredictable world. Taking care of a pet requires regularity — feeding them at specific times, ensuring they get their exercise, and maintaining their grooming. This imposed structure can help individuals, especially those struggling with feelings of aimlessness or unpredictability in their personal lives, to find a grounding rhythm to their days.
- Responsibility and Purpose: Knowing that another living being is wholly dependent on you can profoundly impact one’s self-worth. This responsibility can instill a deep sense of purpose, as one’s actions directly affect the well-being of one’s pet. It’s a tangible manifestation of one’s importance and value in another’s life.
- Mindfulness and Engagement: The acts of feeding, grooming, and playing with a pet necessitate being in the present. These moments act as an anchor, drawing individuals away from worries of the past or anxieties about the future. Instead, the focus shifts to the immediate task at hand, whether it’s measuring out food, brushing fur, or throwing a ball. This state of mindfulness can offer a reprieve from mental stressors, acting as a form of therapeutic engagement.
- Feedback Loop of Affection: Pets, especially dogs and cats, often show overt appreciation and affection. The purring of a cat, the wagging tail of a dog, or the chirping of a bird can serve as instant feedback for one’s actions. This immediate gratification can enhance feelings of competency and self-worth.
- Physical and Mental Exercise: Activities like walking a dog or playing with a cat also have the added benefit of physical exercise, which releases endorphins. These are natural mood lifters, combatting feelings of depression and enhancing overall mental well-being.
- Social Engagement: Pets often act as social catalysts. Walking a dog might lead to conversations with neighbors or fellow pet lovers. Sharing pet stories or seeking advice about pet care can foster community engagement, combatting feelings of isolation or loneliness.
The seemingly simple tasks associated with pet care are intricately connected to psychological and emotional benefits. By grounding individuals in the present, reinforcing their value and importance, and offering avenues for social engagement and physical activity, pets play an invaluable role in bolstering mental health and well-being.
The past 5 years have been filled with upheaval and political uncertainty. Many people have become anxious from the dramatic jolts of the news cycle. From your experience or research, what are your “Five Ways To Maximize the Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet?” Can you please share a story or example for each?
1 . Bond with your pet routinely: Allocate daily quality time for your pet. Whether it’s a walk or cuddling, this strengthens your bond and creates the routine that we need.
2 . Engage in activities with them: Exercising will also grow the bond with your pet, but it also releases endorphins and reduces cortisol for you: all good for mental health.
3 . Take care of your pet mindfully: Turn daily tasks like feeding into mindful practices. Instead of rushing, take the time to be present. It will shift your thoughts away from any worries you may have.
4 . Educate yourself: Understand your pet’s behaviors and signals. By doing so, you can better interpret their needs and foster a deeper connection, enhancing the mental benefits that go with it.
5 . Travel together: If possible, include your pet in travels or vacations. New environments can be stimulating, and it will create new neural pathways for both.
The loss of a pet can be deeply traumatic. How can individuals navigate this grief, and how does it compare to other forms of loss in terms of mental health impact?
Losing a pet is like losing a family member. The grief can be overwhelming as pets are often our daily companions. It’s essential to allow oneself to mourn, seek support groups or counseling, and memorialize the pet in meaningful ways. While each form of loss is unique, the pain of losing a pet is profound due to the unconditional bond shared. This is especially true for dogs and cats as they often remain our companions for a significant duration.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of peace to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
I would inspire a global “Return to Basics” movement grounded in the principles of Paleo Stress Management. In our modern, fast-paced world, we often overlook the fundamental aspects of well-being that our ancestors naturally adhered to. This movement would encourage individuals to reconnect with their innate resilience by simplifying their lifestyles, prioritizing natural healing, and embracing the ancient wisdom of holistic stress relief. By adopting practices that align more closely with our evolutionary history and understanding the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and emotional well-being, we can create communities that are more grounded, harmonious, and resilient in the face of challenges.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. :-)
Without a doubt, it would be Wim Hof, also known as “The Iceman.” Not only is he a fellow countryman, but his groundbreaking techniques, which merge breathwork with cold exposure, have revolutionized the way we understand human potential and the mind-body connection. The resilience and mental fortitude he exemplifies resonate deeply with the principles of Paleo Stress Management. I believe a conversation with him would be incredibly enlightening, providing insights into the synergies between his methods and the holistic approaches I advocate for. The opportunity to share and learn from such a pioneer in the realm of mental and physical well-being would be invaluable.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can stay updated with my work through my official website, paleostressmanagement.com. I also share regular updates, articles, and insights on my social media profiles. Additionally, I offer courses on stress management where I will guide learners gradually to scientifically backed methods that can be applied in a practical manner without much investment in time or money.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts and insights. Let’s continue to spread the message of the incredible bond between humans and pets, and its profound impact on mental well-being. Stay safe and stress-free!
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
