We can all agree that animals are adorable – from kittens to hamsters, and even goats! They’re all super cute, and have a way of making us happy. Seeing animals just makes a person’s day better. Not to forget the loyalty of our pets, like dogs, who would follow you to the ends of the earth.
However, did you know that pets actually do help us, beyond giving us good days? That’s right, animals have a healing effect on us. So here are some of the ways that they help us out.
1. Decreases Stress
Do you like petting animals? Feeling the soft fur under your fingers is soothing, especially after having a hectic day. As it turns out, petting an animal helps to reduce cortisol, a hormone responsible for stress. So by just doing this simple action, you’ll already be much calmer. It’s already beneficial to you. Your day is easily improved by petting an animal.
2. Gives Connection
We all feel lonely at times like there’s no one to support us. It can be a dark time when you feel like you’re being swallowed whole by silence. However, you don’t have to return to an empty house. Your pet will be there for you. A dog won’t abandon you, and if you’re feeling sad, your dog will be there for you. You won’t be alone. Not only that, but pets can help you connect with similar owners, and meet new people.
3. Increase Happiness
With reduced stress and a sense of connection, your life will feel infinitely better. You’ll still face tough times, but it won’t feel as bad as it would on your own. This leads to you being able to live more freely. It’ll be easier to brush things off when you’re going home to a lovely animal, who will always be in your corner, a comforting presence. In short, a pet will increase your happiness by helping to alleviate your stresses.
4. Encourages Exercise
Some pets are more active than others, like dogs. They need to be walked constantly and are very active creatures. So to take care of your pet, you also need to be active, so that they stay healthy. This leads to good habits, along with bonding with your pet. For example, going running with your dog. Even if your pet is a horse, you’ll still be doing exercise, as horse riding is considered to be a sport. All this will help improve your stamina and fitness level, giving you a good amount of exercise.
5. Physical Healing
A healing benefit that’s special to cats is actually in their purrs. The calming sound that they make? It’s meant to help soothe and calm you down. However, that’s not all it can do. This purring has been shown to help speed up the healing of wounds, along with reducing inflammation. Not only that, but it reduces your blood pressure! So cats are actually very good for your health.
Basically, pets aren’t just our companions, they help us to live better. They give us better mental and physical health, making sure we aren’t alone. It’s not only us caring for them, but they take care of us in their own little way. So appreciate your pets more, and give them lots of cuddles when you get home! Make sure to show the bundles of joy an appropriate amount of love.
Sources: John Hopkins Medicine, RSCPA Queenland, Virginia Beach Veterinary Hospital
Janae Lee contributed to this article.
