You’re on your sixth Zoom call of the day, your inbox is gasping for mercy, and you’re living off coffee, chocolate, and takeout. This is a common story for many entrepreneurs: you work hard to lift your business off the ground, and all your focus and resources go into building your dream.
But this is not a sustainable lifestyle. A recent study by Founder Reports interviewed entrepreneurs from 46 countries and found that over 87% of entrepreneurs report struggling with one or more mental health issues. Plus, 50% of them struggle with anxiety.
If you want to go to distance and reap the fruits of your labor, you must learn how to put yourself first. This may involve taking breaks, eating well, and caring for your health.
Still, it’s not that easy to slow down when you’re usually functioning at 2x speed. So, why not get a pet? They’ll teach you how to live life mindfully, one day at a time, and prioritize your well-being before your inbox.
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Paws, Breathe, Repeat: The Science and Soul of Pet-Induced Calm
You don’t need a meditation app subscription when you’ve got a golden retriever who insists on morning walks or a cat who has mastered the ancient art of sitting on your laptop when it wants your attention.
Pets have an uncanny way of pulling us out of our heads and into the present moment. Studies show that spending just 10 minutes petting a dog or cat can lower cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (aka the “love hormone” that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy).
In fact, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found that 87% of pet owners reported improvements in mental health thanks to their pets. That’s not a fluke—it’s biology in action.
Beyond the biochemistry, there’s the simple act of routine. Feeding, walking, and grooming are grounding moments. They create mini-pauses in your chaotic day, anchoring you to something other than Slack notifications and Q3 sales targets.
Your pet doesn’t care about your pitch deck, but they do care if you’re okay. They show up with tail wags, purrs, or even reptilian indifference (we see you, bearded dragon people), nudging you to slow down, breathe, and maybe even smile.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Aren’t all pets there for emotional support?
Well, yes and no. Regular pets do provide you with lots of love, understanding, and support, but they can also be rambunctious and downright destructive if you don’t pay full attention to their needs.
ESAs, on the other hand, have a calm demeanor and help their owners relax and function in a world that’s way scarier than what regular folks experience. If you’re battling anxiety or burnout, an ESA can help regulate your emotional well-being and offer companionship.
Unlike service animals, ESAs don’t need specialized training, but they do need a letter from a licensed mental health professional affirming their emotional benefits and their diagnosis.
The good news is that you can start the process of getting an ESA at Certapet.com in under 5 minutes. This platform will connect you with a therapist who will assess whether you need an emotional support animal.
Thinking of Getting a Pet? Here’s the Entrepreneur’s Starter Pack
So, yes, pets can help with your work-life balance, but before you sprint to the nearest shelter and adopt a dozen rescue puppies, let’s talk logistics. As an entrepreneur, your schedule may be fuller than a carry-on suitcase before a two-week vacation.
So it’s important to choose a pet that doesn’t mind that your Mondays are spent on Zoom calls.
In this case, look for low-maintenance animals, like older cats, calm senior dogs, or small fluffs like rabbits or guinea pigs.
Extra tip: If you travel often or run a hectic household, consider fostering to test the waters before committing.
Also, we’ll share a little secret that very few non-pet owners know: Getting a pet will boost your networking opportunities through the roof. Get a pooch, and your next investor or collaborator might just be walking their corgi at the same park you go to. Get a cat and post cute pictures on Instagram, boasting about how she helps you focus and be better at your business, and you might get a few DMs with possible collaborations.
In Summary
Forget hustle culture! Try cuddle culture instead. Whether it barks, purrs, or just silently judges you from a tank, the right pet can do wonders for your mind and mood. Your business has a growth strategy, so maybe it’s time your mental health got one too.
