Having a pet can boost your mental health and help you feel less alone. Many people who don’t own pets don’t realize how beneficial they can be. It’s good to know that there are many health benefits associated with owning a dog, cat, or even a bird. It turns out that those who own pets tend to be healthier and happier than people without pets.
Here are some of the many mental and physical health benefits:
They Aren’t Likely to Outlive You, Calculate Dog Years in Human Years
Want to know just how old your pooch is in human years? Try a dog years calculator to find out just how old they are. Because they are much older in dog years than human years, this means that at some point, you may experience losing your pet. While this doesn’t seem like a positive thing, it can keep you from worrying about what will happen if you pass away before your pet does.
Pets Can Lower Your Blood Pressure
Pets are known to be great stress relievers and they can lower your blood pressure by as much as ten points. Not only that, but they can also increase your serotonin levels and decrease the amount of cortisol in your body, which is a chemical that your body releases when you’re stressed out. This means pets are especially good for people with high blood pressure or who suffer from anxiety disorders. Pets can also help you sleep better at night because they provide warmth when it’s cold outside.
Pets Offer Companionship
A pet can offer you companionship, which is a key element of mental health. Pets can help you feel less lonely, isolated, and depressed. They also provide a non-judgmental source of love and affection that can promote social interactions with others. This is especially helpful for people who struggle with depression. Pets can also be helpful in easing anxiety by providing constant comfort, even in times when you are feeling especially nervous or anxious about something going on in your life.
Pets Can Help Relieve Stress
Pets can be a source of comfort. Not only do they provide companionship, but they also serve as an outlet for our stress, anxiety, and anger. Pets offer unconditional love to their owners, and they understand that you don’t always have the energy to socialize with other people. Pets are great listeners, providing you with an empathetic ear when you need it most.
Children With Pets Have Less Anxiety
Pets can help children develop a sense of self-esteem and confidence through the love, friendship, and support they provide. Children with pets have lower anxiety levels than those without pets. Pet ownership has been associated with reduced stress in children, which may also decrease feelings of anxiety. In addition, pet ownership may improve a child’s self-esteem and confidence by providing unconditional love and companionship that helps them feel safe and supported.
Pets Help You Sleep at Night
Some people get a dog to help them feel protected. Others simply benefit from the blood pressure-reducing effects that pets have on them. Pets can help you get a good night’s sleep because of the way that they reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
Pets Can Reduce Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation in Seniors
Seniors who own pets have been shown to live longer than those without pets. Pets can help seniors feel less lonely, as well as improve their physical health and mental well-being. Pets can also give them a sense of purpose, which is especially important for people with health issues who may be experiencing cognitive decline or memory loss.
Pets Can Help You Make New Friends
In addition to being great companions, pets can help you make new friends. Pet owners are more likely to be involved in their community and have a larger social network than non-pet owners. Pets also keep you active and engaged in physical activities, which can improve your mental health as well as your physical health. You may even find yourself spending time with other people when walking your dog or visiting the vet.
Pets Give Unconditional Love
Pets are a source of unconditional love. Many people call their pets their “fur babies” or “furry friends.” This is because they are loyal, non-judgmental, and always there for people when we need them most. Coming home to a happy and excited pet can leave people feeling better about themselves and their lives.
