Your Pets Are Scientifically Proven To Be Good for Mental Health! (Janet)
Have you ever snuggled with your pet – your cat, dog, bunny, bird, hamster, or even your family pet lizard – and thought after a while, “Hey, I actually feel a bit better now!” That’s a normal and natural human reaction! Obviously, it’s not a new discovery, many owners themselves know that pets make them happier and happier. You’re not alone! In fact, it's scientifically proven.
What else would be most credible other than your good old friend, statistics? In a BarkBox study of dog parents, 71% of respondents said that having a dog has improved their quality of life. A staggering 93 percent of participants said that they are better people overall as a result of their dogs, and nearly 80 percent said that having their dogs meet them in the morning makes it easier for them to wake up!
You may not notice this at first, but pets also help your overall life span, by assisting with many different components of life. First up, is physical well-being. Believe it or not, walking your dog and playing fetch with them is an excellent (and fun!) source of exercise. Scientists claim that humans should get around 60 minutes of exercise, which is more than enough to play with their pets. This may not be a big deal at the current moment, but science has shown that an increase in cardio-based activities can lead to fewer heart attacks and strokes. According to the National Library of Medicine, exercise is shown “to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal.”
But wait there’s more! Studies have shown that even small interactions with dogs cause the human brain to produce oxytocin, a hormone often referred to as the “cuddle chemical.” Oxytocin increases feelings of relaxation, trust, and empathy while reducing stress and anxiety. Humans release the same hormones when looking at a cute baby!
If you were thinking about raising a pet, then here is an additional resource as to why you should! They’re great companions and are with you all the time while you wait for your own personal Letters Against Depression letter to come in.
It’s kinda cool, isn’t it? At times, Letters Against Depression can seem like a virtual pet to you. The feeling of opening a new letter dedicated just to you can also release oxytocin, it’s always a joy! The people you meet can encourage you to start moving, getting out there, and showing them who’s boss! You got this! Remember that Letters Against Depression is always here in case you need to release any oxytocin. You can sign up at LettersAgainst.org to find more information. You could totally send pictures of your own pet in the letters, along with encouraging messages!