Being stressed during tests or studying is not uncommon. Even the best student minds can be subjected to it while cramming for finals, midterms or even during general study. 

Nervous system goes haywire, and it can make you stay up the night before the exam; not having at least 6 hours of sleep can attribute to a selection of overall health problems. A significant detriment to mental health, especially.

But how do we relax and cope with stress?

Many people like animals. You may prefer cats over dogs, sure. The beautiful thing about dogs, however, is that their love and attachment is unconditional.

Therapy dogs are used all over the world nowadays. A popular trend within schools and colleges. They help students to de-stress and take a small break from studying. The visits of furry companions are sometimes scheduled even during exams for a brief respite from a stressful activity.

Not just any dog can be a therapy dog, however. An important distinction to make is that they are different from service and emotional support dogs.

Service dogs are trained to perform tasks with the goal of assisting a person with disabilities.

Emotional support dogs are pets with no specialized training, used for therapeutic assignments.

Therapy dogs are not merely photogenic - on top of providing entertainment, these cuddly animals can be trained to perform tricks.

They are well-behaved, are free to pet and provide companionship for people under stress.

These dogs have a handler, the human side of the team and these teams are often invited to visit schools, hospitals, assisted homes and sometimes, even prisons.

Health benefits

Research suggests that therapy dogs are excellent at reducing tension.

Students can feel lonely and vulnerable during stressful periods, exams or being under constant pressure. The need for guidance is advice is at an all-time high.

What is the best way to manage my time before the exam?

How do I prepare for it?

But interacting with therapy dogs can be just as beneficial to any student's well-being. So how do therapy dogs affect students?

Therapy dogs reduce nervousness; lower the heart rate and blood pressure; reduce stress hormones and anxiety levels; regulate breathing, among other things.

Therapy dogs need a small window of opportunity to be effective. Only 15 or so minutes to work their magic and the entire room will be filled with smiles, positive energy and finals stress will dissipate as if it never existed. Therapy was never so pleasant and cuddly.