stress
We all experience stress, every day. Stress is only a problem when we have too much of it or when it interferes with other aspects of our lives – much like depression . Research shows that having a dog, petting a dog, walking a dog, and otherwise spending time with a pet is a stress-reducer. Petting a dog lowers our blood pressure and reduces stress hormones in your body. Do you know what else does that? Taking advice from a dog! That’s right, reading Dear Mishu’s column and trying to get in the mindset of a dog can definitely help reduce anxiety. Why? Because dogs have a simple approach to life and live in the moment, so they don’t get hung up with all the little things that cause humans to worry. So next time you start to feel tense or worried, just grab your dog for a pet or a walk, or open up dearmishu.com or @dearmishu on instagram and inhale a little of that dog peace!

My vacation ends today but I don’t feel refreshed to go back to work. What should I do, Ariana asks, Mishu answers
Ariana — Hmmm…. can you stay on 🌴 vacation? If you can’t, can you do…

I work helping people who are suffering job loss or hunger because of COVID-19. I’m so drained at the end of the day & just want to sleep…, Sophia asks, Mishu answers
Sophia – Thank you for all your hard work 👏! I think it’s okay to…

I have Type 1 diabetes and I always sleep through my low glucose alerts, Kai asks, Mishu answers
Kai – That sounds dangerous. I wake up instantly from any sound, so I don’t…

How does one live in the present and be content, Bianca asks, Mishu answers
Bianca – I usually just sit around and stare at things like tree branches moving…

How can I get over my stress? I’m always sad lately, LSC asks, Mishu answers
LSC – Looking at your insta I can see that you get a lot of…

I have so much empathy I often get overwhelmed with emotion. Am I normal, Diego asks, Mishu answers
Diego,
I’m pretty sensitive to my humans and when I notice they’re in distress, I do one of two things. If the distress comes from them, I just keep them company so they feel better. In this case, I don’t get upset myself (how could that even be helpful?), but I comfort them with my calmness. On the other hand, if I sense distress coming from an external source (i.e. someone they feel threatened by)… well I can get a little crazy trying to protect them. Not sure I recommend that for a human (I think barking would definitely make people think you’re weird), but either way you get the picture — when people you care about are distressed try focus on what you can do to help them, without getting too upset yourself.
Love you Diego!
❤️ Mishu

Dear Mishu, I have a 6 year old dog who likes to pee on the carpet… A LOT. What should I do, Cate asks, Mishu answers
Dear Cate — I think if a 40+ year old human was peeing in their…

Dear Mishu, I’ve been with my boyfriend for 10 months but I think I may be attracted to girls. I want to experiment but I’m afraid to lose him, Naiara asks, Mishu answers
Dear Naiara – Talk to your boyfriend. Tell him what you feel, what you think, and what you hope to do and learn. Then listen to him and see if you are able to achieve what you both need together or need to separate for that… Then do what you need to do.
Love, Mishu
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Friends, does anyone know someone with experience in this situation who can share with Naiara?