Consider exchanging your medications for the healing abilities of your pets.
Pet ownership comes with a wide range of therapeutic benefits, many of which are becoming more apparent as we deal with the pandemic's lingering effects.
Around 90% of dog owners claimed that owning a pet made them feel mentally healthier, according to a survey of British pet owners conducted in 2021.
Although the percentages for cat and rabbit owners were slightly lower, at roughly 85 percent and 81 percent, respectively, it's clear that human-animal ties are not only strong, but also have the potential to be life-changing.
Pets have evolved to become keenly responsive to their owners' behaviors and emotions, according to Gavin Miller, managing director at Marltons.
Dogs, like humans, can understand a variety of words and can analyze our tone of voice, body language, and gestures to try to figure out what we're thinking and feeling.
And it's not only because they know they'll get a treat, a tummy tickle, or a walk in return, though that's a big plus.
It's not a new concept that emotional support might come in the shape of four legs rather than simply two.
For more than 30 years, scientists have been gathering evidence on the subject.
"A study looked at what happens to a healthy body when it comes into contact with a nice dog. According to Miller, "physical evidence such as lowering blood pressure, slower heart rate, and relaxed muscle tension, all markers of reduced stress, backed the hypothesis of pets' mental health advantages."
Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression, have lower blood pressure in stressful situations, have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease), and heart attack patients with pets live longer, according to studies. Playing with a dog, cat, or other pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which act to calm and relax you.
"Having a pet creates a sense of mindfulness." Faced with unending lockdown periods and little predictability about what each new day would bring, many people found that having a furry companion helped them to be more attentive and live in the now.
"Mindfulness is a crucial psychological function, and having a reason to think offers people a much-needed sense of purpose."
Pets fulfill the basic human desire for love, touch, and affection, which is one of the reasons for their therapeutic effects.
Emotional support dogs are becoming more widely recognized as an important component of mental health treatment, Miller added.
Pets can be a lifeline for the elderly, encouraging social connection and are frequently employed in alternative therapies for depression and even more complex therapies for Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Children with cancer are given pets to help them cope with their pain and anxiety.
Even the most toughest offenders undergo long-term behavioral changes after interacting with dogs, as many of them experience mutual affection for the first time.
The more people understand about the health benefits of the human-animal link, the more likely pet-friendly public spaces will become more common.
Pets will become commonplace in offices, classrooms, retail malls, retirement homes, hospitals, and other public locations.
Dogs and cats aren't the only ones who can help us relax. If you have limited space but yet want a furry pet to cuddle, rabbits, hamsters, mice, and even rats are great.
If you're older, birds can assist keep your mind fresh by encouraging social contact. Snakes, lizards, and other reptiles can be educational and intriguing companions for young children. Even just looking at fish in a tank can help you relax and lower your pulse rate.
It's important to note, though, that despite all of the advantages, having a pet isn't a panacea for all mental health problems.
There's no doubting that paws, claws, fins, and feathers have a role in mental well-being, but only for individuals who have a passion for domestic animals and the time and money to invest in a companion for many years or decades.
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