Across the country, we are recovering our normal on every level—as individuals, families, communities. Those experiences are expectedly relieving, but there is a lingering hesitance and strangeness about this return to normal for many. At the outset of the pandemic, many of us adopted new ways of being that we are finding meaningful going forward or challenging to let go. Many of our new lifestyle choices reflect coping with such a harsh change over the last year.

Companionship and social connection are the positive side effects of pet ownership. Whether man’s best friend or a furry feline, pets help us cope with physical or emotional symptoms, taking our minds off the pain. Adopting healthy lifestyle changes plays an important role in easing symptoms of depression. A pet can help you make healthy lifestyle changes through more activity like dog walking or ordinary aspects of pet care, by helping you meet new people, or adding structure to your day. Pets are a common and naturally occurring source of support.

About Dayna Schafer

Dayna is a Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™ and a member of the Rise Community. Her agency, located in St. Petersburg, FL, where she has helped thousands of individuals and Medicare beneficiaries understand their benefits by ‘Making it Make Sense.’ To relentlessly seek out the right fit for her client’s healthcare needs, Dayna certifies with triple the average amount of insurers.