The two fastest growing populations of pet parents are millenials and boomers. Pets are a wonderful addition to any home, whether you’re alone or have a large family. People adopt cats and dogs for many reasons, from companionship and protection to teaching children responsibility. More than just a pet, an animal becomes a family member and is present for all the moments of your life. If you’re wondering whether pet adoption is right for you, here’s how pet ownership helps you both mentally and emotionally.
Reduces That Anxiety and Cortisol Levels
Pets are a big responsibility, but for all the care you provide, you’ll be greatly rewarded. One benefit of owning pets is that they reduce your stress levels. After all, how can you feel tense when your pet is so happy to see you after a hard day? Dogs and cats love to be petted and this interaction soothes both the animal and the owner, lowering stress-producing cortisol and blood pressure. This also includes fish, as watching them swim around has been proven to relieve tension.
Relinquishes the Blues & Feelings of Depression
People with depression employ many methods to improve their moods such as exercise, meditation, journaling or aromatherapy, with products such as candles or scented shea butter hand cream. In fact the mere motion of taking care of your skin using lotions helps bring an element of self-connection and is a reminder that you do matter!! Another way to relieve low feelings is to spend time with your pet. Pets are adept at reading their owner’s moods and love you no matter what. This is especially true if you experience loneliness, as your pet senses this and won’t leave your side.
Wing-Pet: Provides Support After [Covid] Trauma
Owning a pet can be beneficial to a person who has survived trauma at some point in their life. Countless people that have experienced PTSD, domestic abuse, abandonment or birth trauma, have begun to heal thanks to a pet. Pets offer companionship without reservations or judgment. Animals live entirely in the present, whether they’re cuddling with their owner or playing a game of fetch. They ask nothing of you except for love, and are happy with whatever you can provide.
Encourages You To Get Moving
For those that experience depression or loneliness, a pet encourages them to get out into the world. If you’ve ever dealt with depression, you know how difficult it is to leave the house. When you own a dog, they need to exercise, play and go outside several times a day. For you, this prevents isolation and even helps with a weight loss goal. Dogs are also the perfect companion for running, swimming or hiking, which is great for both your physical and mental health.
Calms Anxiety and Fear
Similar to people who have experienced trauma, pets can help calm those that struggle with anxiety and fear. First, a dog offers protection to its owner, which automatically relieves feelings of fear. Second, the very nature of caring for a pet entails a daily routine of feeding, exercising, playtime and cleaning a cage or litter box. Routine is beneficial for those that experience anxiety because it allows them to feel in control of their day and know what to expect.
Supplies You With Unconditional Love
There is no greater joy than feeling love, and pets will supply you with all the unconditional love you could want. Pets love you no matter what. They don’t care how much money you make, what kind of car you drive, whether you’re horrible at your job or that you haven’t cleaned the house in a week. Your pet just wants to be around you no matter what kind of day you’ve had.
If the opportunity to adopt a pet presents itself, it could change your life. Pets can help you heal from depression and trauma, and offer you all the love and affection you rightly deserve.
Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/2cP5o3lg2pE
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