Pets for Less Stress
Approximately 68 percent of U.S. households include a pet. Extending your family to welcome a pet is a large undertaking. However, the responsibility is consistently outweighed by the benefits of companionship, fun, and improved health. Stress-relief, better well-being, and heart health are top pet-owning perks. Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation (PAHWF) shares how a pet is a friend for health.
April is National Stress Awareness Month. Along with stress-relief standards like meditation, exercise, and restful sleep, scientific studies continue to prove a pet’s ability to ease stress and improve overall health.
Although images of cuddling with pets, specifically dogs and cats, probably come to mind, there are less obvious ways these companions keep us happy and healthy.
Pets Need Care
An additional responsibility may seem like the last thing needed to combat stress. However, caring for another living thing provides a sense of purpose with an instant sense of accomplishment. When the world’s weight seems to be keeping you burrowed in your bed, caring for a pet is a motivator to get moving—especially when you are woken by whiskers at your face or whimpers at your bedside.
Before you realize it, you are up, out, and accomplishing. Your buddy is walked, fed, and maybe following you around like you are ruler of the world. For those living alone, this companionship combats loneliness and even encourages other friendships. In fact, 80 percent of pet owners say their pet makes them feel less lonely.
Daily Walk(s)
The American Heart Association has done extensive studies that show a link between pets and improved heart health. Dog parents tend to manage more walking than non-owners, with a 34 percent more likelihood to fit in 150 minutes of walking per week. This habit helps maintain or achieve a healthy weight while reducing blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides. All necessary for heart health!
A study by the American Heart Association concluded dog owners are 31 percent less likely to die from a heart attack or stroke than non-dog owners. Plus, the cardio activity of walking provides the added perk of burning off stress. All this provides the huge stress-relief of knowing you are caring for your body.
Playing indoors with pets and their toys keeps you moving; however, when outdoors, pets increase opportunities for socialization. You may meet other dog owners or bring sunshine to neighbors who enjoy your pet’s company. Think of pets as conversation starters with legs. A furry companion is especially helpful for introverts by encouraging interaction with those you may otherwise have ignored. Check out PAHWF’s Outdoor Activity Finder for a variety of local dog-friendly locations. Nice weather also means more outdoor events. Bring the family, Toto too!
Playful Interactions
Ball tossing, sprints around the kitchen, and searching for missing toys require physical output from pets and their humans. An active pet can make a sedentary activity like watching TV a short-term cardio event. With constant “demands” to roll their ball or fetch their toy, you will be moving (and perhaps stretching if the ball goes under furniture). And you’ll do it—because they are cute.
These playful routine interactions promote relaxation and reduce stress. In addition to positive physiological effects, their presence can be a calming distraction from daily worries and stressors. Although you cannot play with them, watching pet fish in a bowl or aquarium can be soothing and meditative. Pets keep you in the present moment.
A Boost of Feel-Good Hormones
Studies have shown the simple act of petting a pet can decrease cortisol, a stress hormone, and increase oxytocin, a calming and social-bonding hormone. Petting animals also can lower heart rate and blood pressure, which promotes relaxation. It is a soothing, repetitious act with meditative-like qualities.
The positive effect pets have on mental health resulted in the concept of prescribed emotional support animals, a common therapeutic practice today. Often, pets (particularly dogs) are used to help ease PTSD, generalized anxiety, and chronic pain. Sometimes, you just need to vent your stress; your secrets are always safe with these compassionate creatures.
Can’t Commit to a Permanent Pet?
Consider fostering a pet. Organizations like the Pennsylvania SPCA offer programs that allow people to experience the joy of pet ownership on a short-term basis. Often, this scenario allows time for permanent adoption of a pet who would otherwise be euthanized. It also gives the foster family an opportunity to experience different types of animals and determine if they would like to pursue ownership.
Still unsure? Consider volunteering at an animal shelter. You’ll get a stress-busting twofer: time with an animal and the act of volunteering. Both are proven to be mood boosters.
A Best Friend for Health
Likely from reduced stress as well as a plethora of other health benefits, dog owners have a 24 percent reduced risk of all-cause mortality compared to their dogless counterparts. Other kinds of pets may share similar bragging rights. If you are trying to reduce your stress level and improve your health—and who isn’t—consider adopting a furry friend. This adventure in care and companionship provides a unique bond that cultivates a healthier existence. And you thought they were only good for a snuggling.
Sources