Pets come with some amazing health benefits, both physical and mental. Caring for a dog, cat, or any other domesticable animal can help relieve depression and anxiety, lower stress, and improve your heart health.
Most pet owners are aware of the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with companion animals. However, many of us remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of snuggling up to a furry friend. For example, dogs are able to understand many of the words we use, but they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures.
Studies have shown that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets. Playing with a dog, cat, or any other pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax us. One of the reasons for the therapeutic effects that are resulted from the presence of pets is that pets fulfil the basic human need for touch. Even hardened criminals in prison show long-term changes in their behaviour after interacting with pets, many of them experiencing mutual affection for the first time.
Here we list 10 benefits of bringing home a pet to your own health:
1. Increased opportunities for your own exercise
2. Compulsion to get outside and socialize
3. Complete do-away of loneliness and depression
4. Consistent feeling of companionship and being loved and cherished by someone
5. Decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels
6. Decrease in stress-hormone cortisol levels and anxiety
7. Increased Positive focus in life
8. Increased Cognitive Stimulation
9. Better understanding of others and hence oneself
10. Better motor skills and hand-eye coordination
Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe you when you’re stressed or anxious. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness, and most dogs are a great stimulus for healthy exercise, which can substantially boost your mood and ease depression. Pets can be a great social lubricant for their owners. Dog owners frequently stop and talk to each other on walks, hikes, or in a dog park.
Like adults, children can benefit from playing with a pet. It can be a source of calmness and relaxation, as well as a source of stimulation for the brain and body. Playing with a pet can even be a doorway to learning for a child. It can stimulate a child’s imagination and curiosity. Getting even a small pet, is a great way to teach a child responsibility.
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