Pets offer more than just companionship at home.
They also provide physical and mental health benefits, ranging from encouraging physical activity to alleviating feelings of loneliness.
1. Pets Keep You Active
If you have a dog, you know that daily walks are part of the routine. Not only do they keep your dog healthy, but they also help you stay active. Exercise doesn’t always need to involve intense workouts or long runs. Simple activities like walking can contribute to meeting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
2. Boost Your Cardiovascular Health
With all those walks, having a pet can also benefit your heart health. Research by the American Heart Association has shown that pet ownership, especially having a dog, is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which include conditions like coronary heart disease.
3. Pets Make You More Sociable
Social interaction is vital for both mental and physical well-being, and pets can help facilitate connections with others. Whether you're walking your dog, visiting the vet, or shopping for pet supplies, your pet can help spark conversations and reduce feelings of isolation.
Social isolation is a major health concern, especially for older adults, with studies showing it can increase the risk of premature death by 26%. Simple, everyday interactions with fellow pet owners or strangers can have a profound impact on your mental and physical health.
4. Pets Combat Loneliness
Pets do more than just help expand your social circle, they provide companionship that combats loneliness. They can bring joy, structure to your day, and a sense of company, all of which contribute to better mental health. Having a pet is not just a luxury, it's a valuable tool in preventing mental health challenges that often arise from loneliness.
5. Boost Mental Well-being
We could all learn a thing or two from dogs when they go for a walk. Dogs live fully in the moment, appreciating their surroundings and enjoying the simple pleasure of being outside. On the other hand, most of us are distracted, thinking about bills, dinner plans, or what the traffic will be like when we pick the kids up.
6. Reduce Your Stress
If you're looking for a way to reduce stress, consider getting a pet. A survey by Birmingham’s National Pet Show found that 98% of pet owners believe their pets help prevent stress, and 96% said that children are happier when they have a pet.
7. Increase Your Happiness
Engaging in activities that bring joy, such as walking your dog or spending time with your pet, can release feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which boost your mood and create a positive physiological effect.
7 Ways Having a Pet Can Improve Your Mental health
Video by Psych2Go
