How pets can improve your mental health
Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults. There are so many different ways pets can impact your mood and your life. Interacting with a friendly dog reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and it increases the release of oxytocin—another chemical in the body that reduces stress naturally. That’s why pet therapy is so powerful.
Almost every dog (pet) owner you ask will say that they love their dog more than anything. My dogs are my whole world and I love to snuggle with them when I need a break, when I need love, or when I’m stressed. I love taking my dogs on walks and spending time with them. I am so blessed to have four of them. So, speaking from experience AND science, dogs (pets) bring so much joy into your life.
How pets can make your life healthier & happier
Increasing exercise. Taking a dog for a walk, hike, or run are fun and rewarding ways to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule. Studies have shown that dog owners are far more likely to meet their daily exercise requirements—and exercising every day is great for the animal as well. It will deepen the connection between you and keep your pet fit and healthy.
Providing companionship. Companionship can help prevent illness and even add years to your life, while isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression. Caring for a live animal can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems, especially if you live alone. Most dog and cat owners talk to their pets, some even use them to work through their troubles. And nothing beats loneliness like coming home to a wagging tail or purring cat. Owners have an unconditional relationship with their pets and often find comfort knowing this.
Helping you meet new people. Pets can be a great social lubricant for their owners, helping you start and maintain new friendships. Dog owners frequently stop and talk to each other on walks, hikes, or in a dog park. Pet owners also meet new people in pet stores, clubs, and training classes.
Reducing anxiety. The company of a dog (pet) can offer comfort, ease anxiety, and build self-confidence for people anxious about going out into the world. Because pets tend to live in the moment—they don’t worry about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow—they can help you become more mindful and appreciate the joy of the present.
Adding structure and routine to your day. Many pets, especially dogs, require a regular feeding and exercise schedule. Having a consistent routine keeps an animal balanced and calm—and it can work for you, too. No matter your mood—depressed, anxious, or stressed—you always have to care for them.
In a study…
For example, a 2016 study at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom involved 54 participants. All of them had been diagnosed with severe mental illnesses, such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
As a result, 60% of participants placed a pet in their most important circle of supportive connections. Furthermore, about half of the participants said that pets helped them manage their illness and everyday life. Having pets also gave them a strong sense of identity, self-worth, and meaning. Moreover, pets distracted them from symptoms like hearing voices, suicidal thoughts, or rumination.
Mental Health Benefits of Pets
Playing with a pet will elevate your serotonin (The "Happy" Hormone) levels
Pets can make you feel safe and comforted
Pets are proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Pets provide an unconditional friendship & are always there for you
Their playful energy and excitement are infectious and will definitely make you smile
They can add purpose into your life
They help motivate you to get outside and walk
Quality time with a pet allows you to separate from reality and current stressors
Pets are always happy to see you and spend time with you
They can make you feel less alone during dark times
They remind you to be present and enjoy every moment
They can cause you to "soften" up and let your guard down
Alternatives to cat & dogs
To receive the mental health benefits, a pet doesn’t necessarily have to be a huge fluffy puppy. There are so many types of smaller pets out there.
Here are some options:
Hamster
Guinea Pigs
Rabbits
Chinchillas
Mice
Parrots
Hermit Crabs
A beta fish
Ferrets
Reptiles
Sea monkeys
