Five ways your pet can improve your physical and mental health

Five ways your pet can improve your physical and mental health

Yes, pets can improve your physical and mental health.

Pets make a great addition to our lives, from keeping us company or showing us unconditional love. But did you know having pets can also improve your physical and mental health, too?

How pets can improve your physical and mental health?

Simply having a pet in the home can help reduce stress, improve our lifestyle, and even help us make friends! In fact, when you learn just how much your pet benefits your life, you may be inclined to give them some new pet accessories to show them, love, in return.

Let’s take a look at 5 ways your pet can improve your physical and mental health.

1. Pets reduce stress

Pets are great for reducing our stress levels. And it’s not just the adorable eyes of a puppy that does the trick either.

Even watching fish swim around a tank has been shown to decrease stress levels in both kids and adults. In fact, it’s why many doctor’s offices play a fish tank video on their TV screens in their reception area (if they don’t have a real one!).

If you’re feeling overly stressed, it’s been recommended spending time with a cat or dog can help lower your heart rate. The simple act of giving them a pat, cuddling, or staring into their eyes can help us feel tremendously better. Plus, who doesn’t want the extra pet cuddles?

2. They improve our lifestyleFive ways your pet can improve your physical and mental health2

If you find it a struggle to get off the couch, having a dog who needs a daily walk will easily get you moving. Who can say no when they come over with their pet lead in tow? You’ll even be more inclined to get up and outside on the weekends, exploring your local beaches, parks, and nature walks with your furry best friend by your side.

Pets are also great if you’re trying to teach kids responsibility. Giving them a daily task like feeding your pet or giving them a brush helps them learn to care for another living being, plus all the benefits they get from time spent with your furry friend, which is always a nice bonus.

3. They provide companionship

We all get lonely from time to time, especially with the increase in working from home or remote work for many of us. Having a pet can provide much-needed companionship while you work, even giving us someone to talk to — despite them not being able to talk back!

When we feel lonely, it’s easy to snowball into feeling unappreciated or needed. However, spending time with our pets reminds us there is always someone who loves and cares for us. Even if they’re just sleeping soundly nearby!

4. They are great ice-breakers

Have you noticed people seem warmer when you’re out walking your pup? This is a great way to start making friends! For starters, pets give you more opportunities to get out and about and meet people who also love animals, such as at a dog park, pet training, or when visiting the vet.

Even when you’re taking Fido (or kitty) out for a walk, you’ll often find people stopping to give your pet a pat. It’s a great way to strike up a conversation and meet new people in your community. Plus, your pet will love the extra attention they get!

5. Pets remind us to live in the moment

Being mindful and living in the moment is incredibly important for our mental health. Our pets are only thinking about the moment they’re in — if they feel hungry they’ll surely let us know. If they want to play, well we must too! Or if they are in the mood for a nap, we better not disturb them.

It’s amazing how they leave the past behind them, move on and enjoy the moment—it’s a great reminder for us not to sweat the small stuff. Something as simple as watching your pet play or nap can bring us great joy, and yet all we’re doing is enjoying a moment in time too.

Wrap-Up

It doesn’t really matter what pet you have, they’re a great addition to our homes and add so much quality to our lives. Be sure to give your pet some extra attention to thank them for all the love they bring us!

Photo by Dominika Roseclay
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya

Five ways your pet can improve your physical and mental health