Mr Chunk
Canine Workplace Wellbeing
Mr Chunk invites you to take a moment to paws, switch off completely, have a cuddle and recharge. My name is Chunk and I live with Shirlí.
I am a member of Therapy Dogs Nationwide and I love visiting people and putting a smile on their face.
I also really love the belly rubs and ear scratches I receive along the way! I never get stressed or depressed because I’m always living in the present moment, accepting things just as they are and accepting people without judgement. I think that’s why so many people like to spend time in my company, my mood rubs off on them! So when they leave me they feel happy and de-stressed.
How Does Canine Wellness Therapy Work?
We come to your office and set up in a designated area. Your employees are then invited to step away from their work in small groups for 15-20 minutes to give them an opportunity to disconnect, recharge and reconnect.
With anxiety and depression now accounting for 50% of work related illnesses it’s essential that workplaces act now to put measures in place to help promote health and wellbeing. Dogs bring benefits to people that run so much deeper than simply generating smiles. You can connect with Mr Chunk on his own Instagram page. Just click the Instagram icon below.
Studies show that the simple act of stroking a dog releases a relaxation response and promotes the release of serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin, all hormones that can play a part in elevating mood and reducing anxiety. Levels of anxiety among heart patients dropped by 24% when they were in the presence of a dog.
People are more likely to initiate spontaneous conversations when in the presence of dogs, something that can be difficult for people struggling with mental health conditions. In addition, dogs can help to reduce resistance associated with therapy and can act as an ice breaker.
Researchers found that levels of epinephrine, a hormone the body makes under stress, dropped by 17% when patients were visited by a dog.
In a study of patients with head injuries or chronic degenerative diseases, the presence of dogs helped assist in the recall of memories and sequencing of events.
Dogs can reduce the focus on negative emotions and promote feelings of safety and comfort.
Benefits of Canine Wellness in the workplace
The hormone responsible for stress.
Including Serotonin and Oxytocin.
Help your team to really connect with each other.
Promote feelings of trust among peers – vital in teamwork!
Helping avoid strokes, heart attacks, and other serious health problems.
Creating a harmonious working environment.
Help your team produce their best work.
A happy, healthy team member performs much better than an unhealthy, unhappy one.
