Lifestyle

6 ways pets can improve your mental health

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Having a pet beside you can be one of the best feelings ever. Their serene presence is enough to make us go all mushy and cheery.


Spending some quality time with your pet indeed helps you to forget all the negativity in your life and channelise your energy into something positive.

Most pet owners can relate to the immediate joys they experience while having a pet but most of them are unaware that pets can greatly contribute towards dealing with mental health issues.

Let’s find out how your beloved pets can improve your mental health.

1. Pets reduce stress

Most people feel tremendous stress due to everyday activities including household duties, office work etc. Studies show that pets can be a great stress buster. Playing with them or even just sitting next to them gives major calm vibes and also relaxes them to a great extent. Pets are shown to tremendously affect human mental health on a positive note.

2. Pets improve your physical fitness

If you own a pet, you know they need regular walks. Taking them out on a walk also means you can have the time to engage in physical activity, alongside them. This helps in maintaining good health and improves the fitness of the pet owner. This in return has a soothing and calming effect on your mental health.

3. Pets improve your social life

Who doesn’t want to pet a mushy, cuddly dog! Having your pet beside you gives you chances to interact socially with others. Conversing with people who have a common interest in pets act as a great icebreaker. Walking your pet is not only fun for them but also serves you a good opportunity to make friends out there.

4. Pets are great companions

Pets are the most affectionate and loyal creatures on the planet. They provide you warmth and support when you require somebody’s presence to calm or cheer you up. They will always be there for you whenever you feel lonely. They are simply the greatest companions!

5. Pets provide a chance at healthy routines

Having a pet comes up with tons of responsibilities. You need to set up a time for their feeding, grooming, and exercising. This means following a strict routine which indirectly allows you to work on your routine-following exercises. Maintaining a pet helps to control and balance your life in the best way possible.

6. Pets can help with anxiety and depression

Pets are a great source of comfort and relaxation. This very ability of theirs has earned them the name of ‘great companions for life’. Experts have proven that their mere presence can help individuals to battle depression and anxiety. Spending time with them releases happy hormones that help them to feel better. And so, people often opt for therapy pets that are an excellent source of happiness.

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