Deadlines. Slack messages. Alerts. Bugs. Zoom fatigue.
The tech world is full of stimulation—and for someone with a military background or anxiety-prone brain, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
I’ve tried productivity hacks. Mindfulness apps. Timers. Noise-canceling headphones.
But nothing has stabilized me more than the presence of my dog.
My Dog Is My Daily Therapist
He doesn’t talk. He doesn’t judge.
He just sits there—calm, grounded, breathing slow—and somehow, I breathe slower too.
When I’m spiraling into overthinking a feature or stuck in analysis paralysis, he nudges me with his nose.
When I feel disconnected, he leans against my leg—an unspoken “you’re not alone.”
That’s real therapy. Unscheduled. Reliable. Free (unless you count chew toys).
Why Dogs Are Built for Tech Anxiety
Dogs:
- Encourage breaks
- Force physical movement
- Provide sensory grounding
- Offer emotional support without words
- Give structure to your day
Tech can make you live in your head. Dogs bring you back to your body and the moment.
Real-World Impact
Since bringing my Great Dane into my daily workflow:
- My stress levels have gone down
- My productivity has gone up (because I avoid burnout)
- I feel more connected and regulated
- I make better decisions, faster
Thinking About Getting a Dog?
If you work remotely or in a solo tech role, and you struggle with:
- Anxiety
- Isolation
- Disrupted sleep
- Lack of balance
…a dog might be the best decision you make this year.
Adopt if you can. Foster if you’re unsure. Volunteer at a shelter if you're not ready to commit.
Sometimes the best self-care is four-legged.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need another app.
You might just need a dog.
Stick around at jameshenderson.online—where code meets calm, and the best co-pilot might just snore under your desk.