Why Are Pets Good for Our Mental Health?
A quiet cuddle with your cat, some active playtime with your pup, or sitting and watching your fish swim around could all be just what we need after a long day.
It will perhaps be unsurprising to many that our pets can do us the world of good. They can offer some impressive health benefits both physically and mentally, and improve our quality of life. But why is that?
This piece will take a look at why pets are good for our health and how we can make the most of the benefits.
They Give Us Something to Love
Life without love can be very lonely. Whether that is platonic love, familial love, romantic love, or a love of something such as a hobby or our pets! Loving our pets can bring us some impressive benefits such as lower blood pressure, fewer colds, and faster healing to name a few! It can also give us a reason to get up in the morning, along with enjoying their often unconditional love in return.
Not to forget that they offer companionship, which is an important part of our everyday lives. It is so ingrained within us that it can help reduce illness, and combat signs of depression which can take years off our life.
Playing Lowers Stress Hormones
If we are having a particularly stressful time, you will be able to thank your pets for their support (unless you are stressed because of them!). Playing with animals has been proven to help lower cortisol levels which is responsible for the stress impact on your body.
So next time you are feeling particularly anxious or stressed out, take some timeout to play a game of fetch with your dog or laser point with your cat to improve your wellbeing. Just do not forget to take care of your pet’s health too! Book in with Orting Animal Hospital.
Increasing Confidence and Self Esteem
Having something that needs and relies on us can be important for many – and being able to provide what is asked of us and reap the rewards can be a big boost of confidence.
Along with this, depending on your pets, they can also help you to socialize and get out of your comfort zone.
If you have a dog, it is mandatory that you take them out for runs and playtime with other dogs, which implies that you will also need to be involved. This means you are more than likely to meet other dog owners and go to new places that you have never experienced before.
Help Keep You Active
If you have or are thinking about getting a dog, this can mean excellent news for your health. Dogs are well known for needing daily walks, though different breeds require different amounts of exercise. Even the smallest inactive dogs need to go for a walk every day, which means you will too!
Even a small daily walk can offer you significant health benefits, so no matter how much you do, it will be great for your mental and physical health.
