Humans across the world have been known to form special relationships with animals. In fact, just watching a pet at play can put one into a peaceful trance or calm those who are upset.
The simple presence of an animal has been scientifically proven to make a person feel better after all kinds of stress and even illness!
Pet owners live longer, healthier lives! Here are some of the scientific reasons why pets make us happier.
They lower blood pressure and cholesterol and boost one’s immunity.
Studies have shown that those who own pets suffer from less depression, stress and anxiety than those who do not. Pets can even help those recovering from heart attack or surgery. Having a pet at home helps reduce the risk of death due to poor health by as much as 33%.
They require us to stay active which in turn makes us healthier and more active.
Pets also encourage play and exercise, which in turn helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels while strengthening the immune system.
Pets help reduce stress and make us feel needed.
Pet owners experience less stress and anxiety than those who do not own pets. Not to mention that pets help reduce feelings of depression by releasing happy endorphins through playtime activities like chasing or petting the animal.
Interacting with pets promotes healing and recovery.
Pets can aid recovery from surgery by reducing pain and anxiety, while also aiding recovery from heart attacks, cancers, and other serious ills. In fact, pet owners have a lower risk of death in general.
They decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Lonely or isolated individuals often feel as though they have been cut off from the rest of the world. Owning a pet helps to relieve this disconnect and can help reestablish a sense of closeness to others, as well as society in general that these people may have lost.
Pets improve self-esteem and self worth.
Individuals who feel a sense of pride in their pet’s appearance, behavior, and well being are less likely to suffer from low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness. In fact, these individuals can improve their self-image simply through the positive reinforcement that pets provide them during interactions with others. They also find the motivation to stay healthy and active to ensure the well being of their pet, which in turn boosts their own moods.
Pets make people happy! The best part of it all? You don’t have to own a pet to enjoy these benefits of happiness. People who volunteer at an animal shelter just to visit the furry friends or pet owners who regularly take their dogs for walks are already reaping all of these amazing benefits.
The next time you’re feeling down, call your dog over and go throw the ball around with them! Or sign up to volunteer at a local animal shelter to play with some kittens. You’ll be happy you did.