by Brooke Carbo
Does your pet have what it takes to compete with these labs attending the 2019 Homecoming Parade? Submit your photos by Nov. 14, 2024. Photo by ANDREA MABRY | UAB Marketing and CommunicationsThe end of daylight saving time and the extra hour of sleep it offers in the morning is great, but for some people, the shorter days and colder weather can negatively affect their mood and mental health. This month, UAB Employee Wellness is spotlightingthe impact pets have on our mental health — including those experiencing seasonal mood shifts.
Employee Wellness Manager Emily Davidson describes Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as a form of depression usually seen in the fall and winter months, when daylight hours decrease.
“It is thought to be related to changes is light exposure, which can affect the body’s internal clock and lead to fluctuations in mood,” said Davidson. “Pets can be a beacon of light, providing much-needed companionship and emotional support that can ease symptoms of SAD.”
Those symptoms often include persistent sadness, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating. According to Davidson, “the simple act of petting a dog or cat releases oxytocin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone, helping to reduce stress and boost mood.”
To highlight this special bond between humans and animals, Employee Wellness is bringing back its UAB’s Cutest Pet Contest. UAB employees are invited to submit pictures of pets now through Nov. 14.
Ten finalists will be announced Monday, Nov. 18 online and on UAB HR's Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Between Nov. 18-22, the UAB community will vote to decide which finalist deserves the title of UAB's Cutest Pet.
Visit uab.edu/petpics to submit a pet photo by 5 p.m. Nov. 14. Voting for UAB’s Cutest Pet will open at midnight on Nov. 18 and close at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 22.
