5 Ways Companion Animals Boost Mental Health

Research shows that not only do pets have a significant positive impact on physical health but they also enhance mental health. Here are five ways how companion animals could improve your mental well-being.

1. Increasing Physical Activity

Activities that we do when we have companion animals (walking the animal, cleaning stall/ litter box or aquarium, grooming, playing) increase our physical activity, which improves mental health. Not only are there direct links to stress, anxiety, and depression reduction among people who increase their activity levels but exercise also improves self-esteem, mood, and cognitive function.

2. Reducing Stress

Stroking an animal that sits on our lap, feeling its warmth and closeness can send our stress levels down. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol and can trigger the release of oxytocin, the hormone of social bonding that is also released when mothers breastfeed their babies. The purr of a cat can not only reduce stress but can also lower blood pressure and even promote healing of physical and psychological conditions.

3. Diminishing the Experience of Anxiety and Depression

Both companion animals and animal-assisted interventions reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Having an animal dependent on one’s care and the affection they give can help one to experience empathy and help build feelings of connection, both of which are shown to alleviate anxiety and depression.

4. Providing Companionship

Animals can provide important companionship, particularly for individuals who may not have the human interaction they desire. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people brought animals into their homes to provide companionship that was lost during extended quarantine periods.

5. Helping Us Be Mindful of the Moment

Animals do not worry about the future or tell themselves stories to make meaning out of past events- they live in the present moment. This current-moment existence can help us to be mindful of what is happening now. Our companion animals are delighted to be with us, to breathe, to sit beside us. We can use this aspect of their behavior as a model to remind ourselves to be as they are, content in connection with a friend.

What I have learned from the article

• Having pets can improve your sense of well-being and outlook on life.

  Companion animals remind us to be in the present, content with who and where we are.
• Animals can help ease stress, anxiety, and depression.

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💬 Do you have a companion animal? What benefits can you see in it?

💬 For those who do not have a pet -Would you ever consider getting it? Why yes/no?