Puppies are being used to cut the stress that students are under during exam time but it could be cats or indeed any animal.
Interacting with puppies in “puppy rooms” is far more healthy that resorting to tons of coffee or drink and even drugs.
There is a growing trend at universities to use dogs to relieve exam stress. The benefit is mutual because the the dogs chosen are guide dog puppies and interacting with the students socialises them.
Next Monday the University of Bristol will set up a puppy room. A spokesperson said that Japanese research suggested that even pictures of animals could improve exam performance.
“People with dogs have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without a dog, and we know that playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.”
The exact same words could be said about the domestic cat. At Bristol Uni more than 600 students have signed up for the puppy room!
As mentioned it does not have be dogs who provide the de-stressing service. Other universities have employed other animals. At Exeter they have borrowed piglets from local farms and at Leicester the students pet ponies, sheep, chickens and goats.
Cat lovers and caretakers know the health benefits that accompany interacting with your cat. More people are learning how to put this to good use.
My two cats help me in de-stressing during my “Internet Research/Blogging” hours.Pets are definitely stress busters in any situation to their human owners.
My cat stops me working on the internet and makes me play with him et cetera. This is very healthy!