Findings from a recent meta-analysis of 17 research articles show that keeping a pet helps people with mental health issues. The study also examines pet owners' testimonies, outlining the different ways that animals provide people with much-needed comfort.
Pets provide a sense of purpose and can provide you with a sense of purpose, which helps improve mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. You will never be alone if you own a pet, as you are also in charge of taking care of them. All ages of people discover that owning a pet elevates their mood, reduces stress, and lessens loneliness. Pet ownership responsibilities are not a hassle; rather, they're a calming habit that aids in mental clarity and time management.
These are the 9 ways having a pet can improve your mental health:-
Pets Lower Stress and Anxiety
Serotonin and dopamine levels increase when we play with dogs or cats. The nervous system is calmed and relaxed by these hormones. The stress hormone cortisol is decreased by interacting with an amiable dog. And it increases the release of oxytocin—another chemical in the body that reduces stress and anxiety naturally.
Pets Provide Companionship and Reduces Loneliness
Pets can provide companionship and love. Some of the benefits of having a pet include reducing stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Pets can also help children with their emotional and social skills. Watching fish lowers a person’s blood pressure, and some research has shown that having fish at home helps the owners maintain their own life routines.
Pets Motivate You to Exercise and Stay Active
Pets can increase possibilities for socialising, exercising, and going outside. Regular pet play or walks help lower triglyceride, cholesterol levels.
Children who take care of an animal tend to be more safe and active as they age. Pets are a vital source of companionship for senior citizens.
Pets Enhance Your Self-Esteem and Mood
Pets can result in greater self-esteem and physical fitness, in addition to making you more conscientious and outgoing. Unconditional love from dogs helps children feel more confident about themselves. Young children who are responsible also grow in self-esteem.
If companion animals provide social support and act as catalysts for human social interactions, they may reduce loneliness and increase self-esteem.
Playing With Pets Releases Endorphins
Playing with pets can be relaxing and encouraging the release of endorphins, which are brain chemicals that help us de-stress and feel good. Pet therapy has been found to increase the release of endorphins in the person interacting with the animal.
Pets Increase Socialization and Communication
Pets can help create human-to-human friendships and social support, both of which are good for long-term health. Pets can also decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills.
Pets Help to Lower Your Blood Pressure
Cortisol, a hormone linked to stress, is demonstrated to be reduced in levels when people interact with animals, as is blood pressure. Animals can improve your mood, lessen loneliness, and increase sentiments of social support, according to other studies. Numerous studies have revealed that dog owners had less high blood pressure than non-owners, likely as a result of the calming influence their pets have on them and the fact that dog owners typically engage in more physical activity. It feels lovely to pet your dog or cat. It can reduce stress hormone levels, lower blood pressure, and aid in the release of a hormone that makes you feel calm.
Pets Reduce Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
Having a pet, especially a dog, may be good for your health and lower your risk of heart disease. From getting more exercise to lowering stress and blood pressure levels, the benefits of pet ownership may even help you live longer. According to a recent study, your risk of having a cardiovascular event such as stroke or heart attack, and your risk of death, are lower if you have a dog. Dog ownership was associated with a 33% lower risk of death for heart attack survivors living alone and 27% reduced risk of death for stroke survivors living alone, compared to people who did not own a dog.
Pets Provide Sensory Stress Relief
Two effective methods to reduce stress rapidly are touch and exercise. Stroking a dog lowers blood pressure and can help you quickly feel calmer and less stressed. The bond with a pet helps you to not feel alone. Hugging and stroking an animal provides almost immediate relief from stress and anxiety. Pets provide a sense of togetherness.
Conclusion
The best pet for you depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and living situation. Some popular pets include dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and reptiles. Dogs are the most popular pet globally, owned by 33 percent, with cats next at 23 percent. Fish (12 percent), birds (six percent), and other pet types (six percent) are also popular. Before getting a pet, there are several things you should consider. Some of these include initial and recurring costs, home environment, size, temperament, physical characteristics of the pet, training, exercising and grooming needs. Owning a pet for your mental health benefits is a huge responsibility and requires dedication and commitment from you.