BLOG POST #24 – Stress Less, Wag More

August 7, 2025
by KAREN LEE STEVENS

The confetti has settled, the vibrant music has faded, and the delicious aroma of churros still lingers in the air. If you call Santa Barbara home, you probably just experienced (or, if you’re like me, survived!) the annual explosion of color, culture, and community that is Old Spanish Days Fiesta. After such an exhilarating week celebrating the city’s Spanish and Mexican heritage, our nervous systems might be ready for a gentle reset.

Good news: August brings not one, but two fantastic opportunities to hit the pause button and focus on our mental well-being. That’s right, National Wellness Month is running all month long, and then, nestled perfectly in the middle is National Relaxation Day on August 15th. It’s like the universe is finally giving us permission to just, well, chill.

National Wellness Month is a great reminder to check in with our overall health – our minds, bodies, and spirits. It’s not just about hitting the gym (though good for you if you do!), but also about emotional balance, social connections, and finding joy in our daily lives. For me, joy often involves a wagging tail or a happy bark. Our dogs, and indeed animals in general, have a remarkable way of reminding us to slow down and breathe.

Think about it. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe your to-do list is longer than a golden retriever’s attention span at dinnertime, what’s one of the simplest ways to feel better? Often, it’s the quiet, comforting presence of a beloved pet, whose biggest demand is another tummy rub. They don’t judge your messy hair, your unfinished laundry, or that questionable reality show you’re binge-watching. They just offer unconditional love and a soft head to scratch (slobbery tennis balls are optional).

This brings us to National Relaxation Day, a day to do absolutely nothing or, in my case, indulge in a deep tissue Swedish massage. Preferably at a beachside resort — with cocktails. All kidding aside, if you’ve ever spent five minutes petting a dog or cat, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s not just a nice feeling; it’s science! When you interact with animals, your body can release oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which can lower cortisol levels and even reduce blood pressure.

The benefits of hanging out with animals are well-documented and go beyond just feeling good. They can help with everything from feeling less lonely to getting us off the couch and moving. Just petting a purring cat, taking your dog for a walk, or even just watching fish glide around in an aquarium can bring us much-needed calm. If you’re a dog person, you know that your pup’s natural state is basically endless naps, interspersed with some hilarious bursts of squirrel-chasing energy. We could all seriously learn a thing or two from that kind of balance!

So, as we embrace National Wellness Month and gear up for National Relaxation Day, let’s take a cue from our amazing animal companions. Let’s find quiet moments and meaningful interactions that bring us peace — whether it’s snuggling with our pets, catching up with a friend, or simply taking a deep breath. This month, it’s all about “stressing less and wagging more.” After all, a calmer, happier you is a healthier you, and who couldn’t use a little more of that inner peace to carry forward, long after the last ‘Viva la Fiesta!’ has faded?

This month marks two years of Karen writing her Unleashing Happiness blog! Celebrate with her by sending a note to karen@therapydogsamerica.org and share your thoughts and self-care routines. You can read past issues of the blog at therapydogsamerica.org/blog.