Pets as The Best Way to Cope with Stress
It is something that we deal with every day and will be enduring for the rest of our lives. No humans are ever immune to its effect, but it is your body’s response to any impending threat, demands or danger. Stress—as what humans call it. This is a natural process and our body’s way of protection against any external or internal stimuli.
People respond to stress differently. Many ways and methods are also presented to alleviate stress such as meditation, listening to music or watching a movie, going on a vacation, yoga, and the likes. However, you don’t necessarily have to go elsewhere or spend a lot of money to ease whatever tension you have right now. Don’t you know that pets can reduce that daily dose of stress you’re getting? People might consider it even more stressful to keep a pet, because of the diseases, skin allergies, dog ear infection they might get. However, this definitely will have no affection for your stress level if you understand the advantages of keeping a pet. Many studies showed a significant impact of pet ownership in relieving stress and lowering anxiety levels in humans. So, to tell you exactly how pets can be beneficial to pet owners in dealing with stress, here is some incredible information you might want to know.
5 Ways of How Owning a Dog Can Reduce Stress
#1. Pets are exercise partners.
One important aspect of getting your body in good shape is exercise. Even health professionals would normally suggest people get themselves involved in any form of daily exercise. It is a perfect way to prevent yourself from a sedentary lifestyle. Not to mention that exercise is another method of releasing the stressful side of life.
Having pets at home inspires you to be fit and physically active. They are great exercise partners as they encourage you to get up from bed early in the morning and follow a specific routine. We are talking about some valuable benefits of pet exercise. Let’s say in the case of having a dog. Your Fido usually demands more activities such as routine morning walk, stroll around the neighborhood or play at the park on weekends. When you are in the habit of following those routines, it encourages you to go outside and breathe some fresh air or feel the morning sunshine and get those bones and muscles in locomotion.
#2. Pets are mood enhancers.
For many pet owners, having pets at home brightens their day. Admit it or not, pets provide happiness and entertainment. They make us smile or laugh. They are natural mood enhancers which are helpful in relieving stress and tension every day. It is also believed that owning a pet is related to trigger the release of endorphins inside the body. Stroking or caressing a pet animal stimulates the release of relaxation hormones which are helpful in controlling mood and emotions, making you more relaxed and happier. So, imagine how your pets make those “happy hormones” in action inside your body.
#3. Pets boost a healthy heart.
Owning a pet is probably one of the great things in life. It may even provide you with a better and healthier heart. Some studies reported that pets are an excellent way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in humans. The release of endorphins inside the body when you interact or caress a pet can create improvements in heart rate and reduce blood pressure. As you know, rapid heartbeat and changes in blood pressure are some manifestations of stress. The amount of interaction and engagement with your pets would more likely save you from a heart attack. Plus, who won’t get a healthy and happy heart just by merely looking at those puppy eyes or feeling the soft, furry touches from your pets? Another reason to be with pets around more frequently then.
#4. Pets offer emotional support and great friendship.
Whenever you feel gloomy or down, pets can be by your side in some ways where people can’t. People are a great support system, but pets offer unconditional and non-judgmental love or affection that you can’t easily find in life. This characteristic is something unique to them. Spending time with your dogs or cats allow comfortable silence. Being around with pets can remove all your worries and inhibitions as they won’t judge you for whoever you are or how you behave. In ways you can’t imagine, pets are adorable creatures who can bring a smile in your face and offer you an incredible companionship. Remember that pets can be loyal friends, too, especially during rough and stressful times.
#5. Pets enhance your social side of life.
Spending time with your pets is not only therapeutic but also improves your social relationship. Just by merely owning a pet helps you to gain more friends. Your pet is a bridge that connects you from other pet-owners. For example, a daily morning walk with dogs allows you to meet neighbors or other dog walkers. You’ll also get a chance to talk to other pet lovers in the community or social media. Remember that meeting people and having good conversation also lessens stress and emotional burden.
Final Thoughts
Pets are stress soothers. They always bring laughter and positive vibes which makes them an amazing part of the family. As you recognize the importance of their presence in your daily lives, it is also vital to nurture and care for them. For responsible pet ownership, you need to make sure to follow routines such as regular exercise and vet check-ups, proper nutrition and supplements, and prevention of diseases like skin allergies, dog ear infection and to name a few. As they are already a member of the family, give them that special attention and love they truly deserved.
