Are you a pet owner? If not, you may have missed out on the incredible benefits that pets can bring to your mental health. In recent years, there has been an increase in research done on the positive impact pets have on mental health.

Experts have found that pets can improve our mood, reduce stress levels and anxiety, and help us recover from depression. To understand more about how pets improve our mental health, we asked experts to weigh in.

Pets Reduce Stress Levels

Stress is something that affects many people, and unfortunately, it can have a significant impact on our mental health. However, research has found that pets can help reduce stress levels.

This is because pets have a calming effect on us, and they can help us manage stress more effectively. According to Dr. John Bradshaw, a pet behaviorist and author of “The Animals Among Us,” pets make us feel good because they provide us with a focus that is outside ourselves.

“A pet is an important friend you can have when other people can’t be with you or when you need independence or time with your own thoughts,” Bradshaw explains.

Pets Increase Physical Activity

Pets also have a positive impact on our physical health, and this, in turn, can influence our mental well-being. One way that pets can improve our physical health is by increasing our physical activity levels.

Studies have shown that pet owners are more likely to engage in physical activity than those without pets. For example, a study done by the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that dog owners walked an average of 300 minutes per week, while non-dog owners only walked for an average of 168 minutes per week.

Pets Improve Our Mood

Pets provide us with companionship and unconditional love, which can be incredibly valuable for our mental health. According to Dr.

Sandra Barker, the director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University, “Pets have the ability to make us feel loved and needed, and that in turn can improve our mood.” Pets also provide us with a sense of purpose, which can have a positive impact on our mental health. “Pets give us a sense of meaning and belonging, which is critical to our mental well-being,” Barker says.

Pets Provide Emotional Support

Pets are great at providing emotional support, especially for those who struggle with mental health issues. Dogs, in particular, are often used as therapy animals to help people with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. According to Dr.

Bradshaw, “Dogs have a natural ability to sense our emotions and needs. They can offer comfort and support when we need it the most, and that can be incredibly powerful for our mental health.”.

Pets Help Us Connect with Others

Pets can also provide us with opportunities to connect with others, which is essential for our mental health. According to Dr.

Barker, “Pets can be great conversation starters and can help people connect with others.” For example, if you take your dog to a park, you may end up meeting other dog owners and striking up a conversation. This can be helpful, especially for those who struggle with social anxiety or feel isolated.

Pets Can Help Us Recover from Depression

Research has found that pets can help us recover from depression. According to a study done by the University of Manchester, pet owners who suffered from depression reported feeling less lonely and had a higher quality of life than those without pets.

Additionally, pets can provide a sense of purpose and routine, which can be helpful for those struggling with depression. “Pets offer a reason to get out of bed in the morning and a sense of responsibility, which can help people recover from depression,” Dr. Barker explains.

Pets Can Reduce Anxiety

Pets can also have a positive impact on anxiety levels. Research has found that pets can reduce anxiety and even help lower blood pressure. “Pets help us to feel calm and relaxed,” according to Dr. Bradshaw.

“This is partly due to their calming presence and the fact that they distract us from our worries.” Additionally, pets provide a sense of security and comfort, which can be soothing for those who struggle with anxiety.

Pets Help Children Develop Emotional Intelligence

Pets can also help children develop emotional intelligence, which is an important factor in mental health. According to Dr.

Bradshaw, “Pets provide children with a great opportunity to learn about empathy, compassion, and responsibility.” Additionally, children who grow up with pets are less likely to develop allergies and other health problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pets have a positive impact on our mental health.

Studies have shown that pets can reduce stress levels, increase physical activity, improve our mood, provide emotional support, help us connect with others, and help us recover from depression and anxiety. If you are considering getting a pet, remember that having a pet is a big responsibility. However, the mental health benefits that pets can bring make it well worth the effort.