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Pets Can Improve Your Mental Health

by Supatriana Supaat

 

Having a pet is a big commitment. By getting a pet, you agree to take care of it for the rest of their life. On the flip side, having a pet has a lot of rewards, including mental health benefits. Studies have shown that pets can improve mood, lower stress, and ease loneliness.

7 Ways Pets Can Improve Mental Health:

  1. Reduce stress
    Patting a pet can ease stress and reduce your blood pressure. Even watching fish swimming in an aquarium reduces stress. It can also help you relax and practise mindfulness.
  2. Provide Companionship
    Pet owners say that they feel less alone compared to people who don't own pets. Pets can also help you connect with other people around you.
  3. Boost Your Mood
    Just looking at your pet might make you happier. Studies show that eye contact with your dog can release a hormone that makes you feel happy.
  4. Healthy Routines
    Most pets require a routine of feeding, cleaning and exercise. This can give you purpose and motivation which can help your self-esteem, wellbeing and mental health.
  5. Provide Sense Of Purpose
    A pet can provide you with a sense of purpose, which helps improve mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
  6. Increase Social Interaction
    If you have a fear of social situations, or social phobia, a pet can help with slowly introducing you to other people who also have pets and enhance your mental health.
  7. Increase Physical Activity
    Dog owners are likely to take their pet out every day for a walk or run. This can be a fun way to fit exercise into your routine.

Consider these things if you are looking for a pet:

  1. Space - choose a pet that will be content in your home, consider indoor and outdoor space needed.
  2. Cost - pets need vet care and food. Some dogs and cats need grooming. If you travel, think about the price of pet care
  3. Age - puppies and kittens are adorable, but they are a lot of work. Older animals might have health concerns that need attention.
  4. Exercise - some dogs require a lot of activity while cats may be content to hang out on the couch all day.

Content: pets.webmd.com, healthdirect.gov.au, mentalhealth.org.uk

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