5 Ways Pets Can Reduce Stress

Pets have always been a part of people’s lives. Each person may have a reason for owning a pet, but most owners want a comforting companion that can help relieve their stress. Some people even consider pets as family. They can also serve as an alternative for children, especially for those who don’t want or have one yet.

According to the 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, around 70% of U.S. households have pets. And the majority of those pets are cats and dogs. But how can pets reduce stress? This article lists five unique ways pets can help improve their owners’ overall mental health and happiness.

1. Pets give you opportunities to exercise

Pets need to be taken care of every day, especially dogs. Dog owners need to feed their pets on a regular schedule and take them on walks, hikes, and runs. These responsibilities give pet owners opportunities to engage more in physical activities.

Previous research suggests that dog owners are more likely to be physically active and meet the recommended daily exercise requirements. Exercise helps bump up your endorphins, hormones that reduce stress and improve your mood.

2. Pets make us feel needed

Most pets are affectionate, friendly, and have relatable personalities that endear them to their owners. Caring for these lovable creatures can make owners feel more needed and wanted. When you have a pet to care for, it can give you a sense of purpose and meaning — even when your pet doesn’t interact with you a lot.

Interestingly, a 2016 study shows that even pet insects, such as crickets in a cage, can have a significant impact on elevating the mood and reducing the depression of the participants. The participants were a group of community-dwelling elderly individuals. And the result suggests that caring for a living creature benefits a person’s overall mental well-being.

3. Pets provide companionship

Pets can be incredibly loyal and reliable creatures, making them excellent companions. They can form a bond with you in ways that people can’t. Pets can offer company and unconditional love that can make you feel happy and less stressed.

They’re also excellent snugglers and great listeners. You can tell them your problems or feelings and they won’t judge you. It can be easy to lower your stress when you have a friend you can count on at all times — and pets can be that friend.

4. Pets help improve your relationships

When you have a good relationship with your animal friends, having better relations with humans won’t be so hard, especially in a pet-loving community. Joining animal clubs and attending pet shows allow you to have better social interactions.

Having something you like in common (pets) can make talking and interacting with fellow pet owners more comfortable and fun. Having more friends can help lessen your feeling of loneliness and depression.

5. Pets help you relax

Interacting with pets helps lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and decrease depression, making you feel calmer and relaxed. Aside from their cute and loving appearance, the playful nature of pets, particularly cats and dogs, can help lift your spirits and boost your mood. Most pet owners consider their pets as part of the family. And like family, they have a way of making you feel at ease and happy simply by being there with you.

Conclusion

Coming home and seeing your pets excited to greet you brings great joy to every pet owner. A pet can be your family, best friend, companion, and so much more. Caring for pets can be challenging and physically demanding, but they can also give your life purpose and meaning. You can gain a lot of benefits from having pets. That’s why you should treat them well and love them as much as they love you.

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