Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong'o shared her inspiring story of overcoming her fear of cats and finding healing after a painful breakup by adopting a cat. Known for her impeccable talent and radiant personality, Nyong'o talked about her experiences in an exclusive conversation with Glamour, where she opened up about her role in the next movie, A Quiet Place: Day One, her struggles with mental health, and how her pet cat, Yoyo, has come to significantly impact her life.
From Fear to Feline Friendship
Nyong'o's journey with cats began in an unexpected manner. She was supposed to have a cat in her new film, A Quiet Place: Day One. Nyong'o was hesitant initially and suggested that the cat be replaced with an armadillo. However, director Michael Sarnoski was insistent about the cat, which, as it turns out, was necessary for Nyong'o to go through what she humorously called ‘cat therapy’. Not only did it help her overcome her fear, but it also led her to adopt her own cat after the shoot.
Healing a Broken Heart
For Nyong'o, the timing of adopting Yoyo couldn't have been more perfect. Having just gone through a painful split with Selema Masekela that she had publicly announced on Instagram, she found herself on the brink of depression. Her mother flew in from Kenya, and one of her best friends came to support her during this difficult time. It was then that she felt a compelling urge to adopt a cat.
Nyong'o acknowledges Yoyo as being the one to save her from a very dark place in her life. The responsibility of taking care of Yoyo gave her a newfound purpose and a way to push through the emotional pain. There, at Best Friends Animal Society, she noticed a poster indicating that fostering a cat could help one get over an ex. This was the beginning of a healing experience that was as emotional as it was therapeutic.
The Therapeutic Power of Pets
The story of Nyong'o attests to the immeasurable power of pets to elevate our mental health and well-being. And science agrees. There is a truckload of research indicating that pets—whether cats or dogs or virtually any other animal—can greatly lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This is how pets promote mental health and help alleviate stress:
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Reduces Work-Related Stress
Pets can offer a great solution to stress related to work. Studies indicate that the presence of an animal in the workplace reduces stress and increases worker satisfaction. This is due to the relaxed and enjoyable environment brought about by pets, an environment where the workers can easily lower their stress levels.
Increases Productivity
Pets can increase productivity even in virtual settings. The appearance of pets during virtual meetings is usually comforting and leads to improved attitudes and increased trust and camaraderie between the staff members. This can help lead to better teamwork and collaboration.
Helps Manage Anxiety
During stressful times and increased anxiety, pets offer a soothing presence. Their unconditional love and companionship can help mitigate feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Even the small act of petting a cat or dog has been found to induce the secretion of feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as oxytocin and dopamine.
Fosters Physical Activity
Regular physical exercise of the pets, dogs in particular, promotes activity among their owners. Such activity not only enhances physical health but also is good for mental well-being, resulting in improved mood, better sleep, and overall psychological comfort. An example in the life of human beings is that, for instance, walking the dog offers both exercise and interaction with nature, making this a highly encouraging experience.
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Gives a Sense of Togetherness
There can be a deep fulfilment derived from the bond between a pet and its owner. Pets provide a feeling of togetherness and emotional support that may take away feelings of loneliness. Daily moments spent with a pet in interaction—from feeding to playing—bring joy and a sense of purpose to one's life.
Bottomline
In conclusion, Lupita Nyong'o's experience with her cat Yoyo beautifully illuminates the ability of pets to heal. Her journey from heartbreak to a place of restoration, which was abetted by her pet, shows how animals can be a source of comfort and support in the time of trial. Whether it's decreasing stress, increasing productivity, helping to handle anxiety, encouraging exercise, or simply providing a sense of togetherness, pets have a way of magnifying mental health and well-being.