Recently, actor Dia Mirza shared how nature and gardening help her get off the treadmill of anxiety. The pandemic has been tough and exhausting for all, both emotionally and physically. And celebrities are no different. Celebs too are resorting to their sources of motivation to keep them sane and powering through these uncertain times.
Jacqueline’s pets are her saving grace
Credit: Jacqueline Fernandez, Instagram
In a recent interview with ETimes, Jacqueline Fernandez shared how having her pets around helps improve her mental health.
She said, “My pets have been quite a saving grace for me. I do live alone at home and, honestly, they help me stay sane. As much as I invest my time looking after them, in return I get a whole lot of entertainment from them. They always keep me company, never leave my side and I really feel they are my angels on earth.”
For Jacqueline, her pets are the best antidepressants
Credit: Jacqueline Fernandez, Instagram
Anyone who follows her on Instagram knows her love for animals as she’s always spotted cuddling with them. Elaborating on how pets have been a blessing during the pandemic and the lockdown, she said, “I think animals are the most amazing creatures we have on this planet. Having them as pets is such a privilege. In times of the pandemic, where loneliness set in, frustration has been at its peak and one faced mental health issues, pets have been one of the best stress busters and antidepressants anyone could have.”
Credit: Jacqueline Fernandez, Instagram
Several studies and surveys around the world have revealed how pets help to improve mental health. According to a study by lead author Dr Helen Brooks from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Psychology, Health and Society: “The people we spoke to, through the course of this study, felt their pet played a range of positive roles such as helping them to manage stigma associated with their mental health by providing acceptance without judgement.”
Credit: Jacqueline Fernandez, Instagram
The report published in DNA states that Brooks also elaborated on how pets were also considered particularly useful during times of crisis. She added, “In this way, pets provided a unique form of validation through unconditional support, which they were often not receiving from other family or social relationships. Despite the identified benefits of pet ownership, pets were neither considered nor incorporated into the individual care plans for any of the people in our study.”
Lead Image Credit: Jacqueline Fernandez, Instagram
